Drug charge surprised driver

Prosecutor Senior Constable Kerrie Thomson told the court Ali tested positive for cannabis when police drug tested him on the Murray Valley Hwy at Nathalia on August 25, 2022.

Ali’s solicitor Ian Michaelson said his client was “dismayed by the positive result” and said he “does not consume drugs”.

Mr Michaelson said his client had not had any other driving offences since getting his licence in Australia 18 years ago.

Magistrate Peter Mithen imposed a fine of $400 on Ali and disqualified him from driving for six months.

He also told him that he understood what his defence had said, but a drug was found in his system.