Several drivers have faced Charters Towers Court after being charged with drug driving offences, with magistrates issuing penalties including fines, licence disqualifications and suspended sentences.
The cases involved multiple motorists who were detected driving with illegal substances in their systems between May and July 2026. Police roadside testing identified drivers with substances including cannabis and methamphetamine, leading to court appearances and convictions being recorded.
Braden Kenneth Wilton, 25, appeared in court after testing positive for cannabis while driving in Charters Towers. The court heard Wilton admitted using cannabis before being intercepted by police. He had previously faced a similar drug driving matter in 2023, which was considered during sentencing. Wilton received a three-month prison sentence that was suspended for nine months and was disqualified from holding a driver licence for six months.
Timothy Kevin Foster, 40, faced two drug driving charges after testing positive for methamphetamine on two separate occasions within a month. The court heard Foster was stopped while driving on his P-plates and had previous traffic offences, including drink driving matters. He was placed on a nine-month probation order and lost his licence for seven months.
Angus John Whyte, 40, was also dealt with in court after police detected cannabis in his system while he was riding a motorcycle. The court heard he had previously been charged with drug driving. He was fined $400 and received a two-month licence disqualification.
Benjamin Charles Le Marr, 41, pleaded guilty to driving with methamphetamine detected in his system. The court heard he had made lifestyle changes since the offence and was working on a cattle station. He was fined $600 and disqualified from driving for three months.
Rory Stuart Gilmore, 24, was another driver who appeared before the court after testing positive for cannabis. Gilmore told the court he believed cannabis exposure may have occurred while attending a gathering where others were smoking. He was fined $300 and received a one-month licence disqualification.
Queensland authorities continue to target drug driving through roadside testing programs, with police warning motorists that illegal substances can affect driving ability and increase risks on roads. Drug and alcohol-related driving offences remain a significant focus for Queensland courts and enforcement agencies.
Roadside drug testing allows police to detect substances such as cannabis and methamphetamine among drivers. Authorities encourage motorists not to drive after consuming illegal drugs, even if they believe they are no longer affected, as traces can remain detectable after use.
The Charters Towers cases highlight ongoing efforts to improve road safety across regional Queensland. Police and courts continue to emphasise that repeat offending can lead to stronger penalties, particularly when drivers continue to operate vehicles while affected by drugs.
