A QUEENSLAND truck driver will face Taree Local Court next month on drug charges after his rig left the Pacific Highway and rolled onto its side early last Tuesday.
Police initially conducted a breath test for alcohol, which proved negative.
Forming the opinion the driver may have been under the influence of a drug, they searched the rig and allegedly found a number of items.
They then took a blood sample from the 44-year-old driver.
The accident happened about 1.10am on September 5 near Nerong when a northbound prime mover and trailer veered off the western side of the Pacific Highway, climbed a bank and came to rest on its offside.
The vehicle was extensively damaged, and part of the truck's load was spilled.
After conducting a roadside breath test, police searched a backpack and the vehicle.
The driver was detained and a blood sample taken.
The man faces four charges in Taree Local Court on October 4:
* Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drug.
* Self administering a prohibited drug.
* Supplying an indictable quantity of a prohibited drug, not cannabis.
* Possessing a prohibited drug.
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