Senior NSW detective Jason Smith allegedly blew low range after pedestrian crash

A senior NSW detective, who helped bring down a major cocaine syndicate, has allegedly blown over the blood alcohol limit after being involved in a minor collision in his undercover police car with a pedestrian earlier this month.

EXCLUSIVE: A senior NSW detective was allegedly over the blood alcohol limit when driving a police car involved in a minor collision with a pedestrian.

Detective Chief Inspector Jason Smith was allegedly driving the unmarked police car along Darling St, Rozelle, when the vehicle collided lightly with a man on a pedestrian crossing just after 8pm on July 18.

The man, who was not knocked to the ground, was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics but is understood to have only suffered a minor bruise and was not transported to hospital.

Detective Chief Inspector Jason Smith was allegedly driving an unmarked police car when the crash happened. Picture: Toby Zerna

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Insp Smith allegedly recorded a positive blood alcohol reading at the scene and was taken to Newtown Police Station where he allegedly blew 0.064.

His licence was suspended and police are understood to be awaiting the legal advice on whether to issue Insp Smith a traffic infringement notice (TIN) or charge him.

A NSW Police statement said: “The driver — an off-duty chief inspector attached to a specialist command — underwent a roadside breath test, which returned a positive result.

His licence was suspended and could be charged. Picture: AAP VIDEO/Andrew Leeson

“His driver’s licence was immediately suspended … No charges have been laid but investigations into the crash are continuing. The man was driving an unmarked police car at the time.”

As of May this year, first time low-range drink-driving offences can be dealt with via a TIN, carrying a license suspension and a $572 fine rather than being charged and going to court. But due to the nature of Insp Smith’s case, it is understood police wanted to get legal advice.

Insp Smith has led, or been a central player in, some of the state’s most successful drug investigations.

Inspector Smith helped bring down a drug syndicate that involved 500kg of cocaine. Picture: NSW Police

He helped bring down a syndicate, involving South Coast fisherman Joseph “Joe” Pirrello, which attempted to smuggle 500kg of cocaine wrapped in Emporio Armani packaging via Brooklyn on the Hawkesbury River on Christmas Day.

Just a fortnight ago, the day before the traffic incident, Insp Smith fronted a press conference to announce Strike Force Bethany officers had found 107kg of methylamphetamine in the back of a ute in Malabar and three men, former naval officers, were in custody.

“To get your hands on 100kg of crystal methamphetamine you must have some connections,” Insp Smith said.

Originally published as Senior NSW detective Jason Smith allegedly blew low range after pedestrian crash