Almost one-in-seven drivers returned positive drug tests after a police operation tackling dangerous driving in the Hunter.
Highway patrol officers conducted Operation Spoiler from May 15 to May 17 following high rates of fatal and serious injury crashes and anti-social driving in the Hunter Valley and Port Stephens.
Police targeted speeding and impaired driving offences in areas such as Maitland, Cessnock, Singleton and Scone.
Officers conducted 7597 random breath tests with 35 returning positive results and 649 drug tests with 92 positive results.
Police said secondary tests were undertaken for all 92 drivers and samples were sent for further analysis.
Just over 1000 infringement notices were given out, with three for speeding more than 45kmh over the limit.
A total of 45 charges were given for alleged traffic and criminal offences.
Newcastle-Hunter Highway Patrol Chief Inspector Thomas Barnes said the operation's results pointed to poor decision making by some drivers.
"These figures are deeply concerning and highlight that too many drivers are still choosing to get behind the wheel after consuming drugs or alcohol," Chief Inspector Barnes said.
"Drug driving remains a major contributor to serious crashes, and the fact that nearly one in seven drivers tested returned a positive result is a concern for police and the community.
He said police would continue to target high-risk behaviour to keep roads safe.
