HGV drivers arrested as part of Christmas Anti Drink and Drug Drive Campaign

Officers have made over 90 arrests as part of the annual Christmas Anti Drink and Drug Drive Campaign.

Since the start of the campaign on December 1^st, 40 drink drive arrests and 54 drug drive arrests have been made across the region.

Several of those arrested on suspicion of drink driving have already appeared before the courts and have been disqualified from driving and fined.

The highest reading of the campaign so far has been 166 (the legal limit is 35) whereby a 39-year-old man was arrested in Wrexham on December 17th. The man, who is from the area has since been charged with drink driving and will appear before Wrexham Magistrates Court on January 7th.

All those who have been arrested on suspicion of drug driving now have an anxious wait for the results of further tests before a charging decision is made. Those arrested tested positive for either cannabis or cocaine at the roadside. Some of those arrested tested positive for both.

Ages of those arrested on suspicion of drug driving range between 17 and 71-years-old and those arrested on suspicion of drink driving range between 20-years-old and 78-years-old.

Notably two HGV drivers were arrested last Saturday afternoon – both on suspicion of drug driving. The first arrest was a 36-year-old man from Amlwch – calls were received into the police control room from concerned members of the public regarding the manner of driving. An officer from the Roads Crime Unit was deployed and caught up with him on the A55 at Tal-y-Bont near Bangor where he tested positive for cocaine at the roadside. He was arrested and has since been released under investigation.

A second HGV driver was stopped a short time later on the A5 at Ogwen – the 20-year-old who is from the Bala area tested positive for cocaine but was also driving without a licence, insurance and MOT. He has since been released under investigation.

Sergeant Emma Birrell of the Roads Crime Unit is continuing to urge people to think before they get behind the wheel. She said: “We have a zero-tolerance approach to drink and drug driving all year round, but our December campaign sees us conducting extensive patrols across the region.

“Driving whilst under the influence risks the lives of all road users and I’d like to thank all those who have contacted us so far with information. Your calls really do make a difference.

“Anyone who is considering driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs should know that we will be out and about waiting.

“We are fully committed to help make the roads safer for all and will continue to target those who endanger their own lives and the lives of others. So far, we’ve made arrests across the region – from Wrexham to Penrhyndeudraeth, Barmouth to Holywell, Blaenau Ffestiniog to Shotton. There is no hiding place.

“Traditionally this weekend will see many attend Christmas parties as they clock off for the festive season so we are pleading with those to make arrangements to get home safely. Alcohol and drugs stay in your system longer thank you think so we’re reminding drivers that they could still be over the alcohol limit the morning after a night of drinking.

“We want everyone to enjoy a safe and happy festive season and so this is one of our most important annual campaigns. Despite our regular updates and constant warnings around the dangers and consequences of drink and drug-driving, too many people are still prepared to put their lives and those of other road users at risk.”

Follow the campaign on social media by following the #Fatal5 and #OpLimit hashtags.

If you suspect someone is driving while unfit to do so, please report it immediately to police on 101 (or 999 if they are posing imminent danger) or phone it through anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Your calls really do make a difference.