Menu
21/10/2024
Two Men Arrested in Drug-Driving Crackdowns
Two men have been arrested in separate incidents for drug-related driving offences following the introduction of new roadside drug testing kits.
DrugWipes, which can detect cannabis and cocaine use, are being used by specially trained officers from the Road Policing Unit and District Support Teams.
The first arrest occurred in Enniskillen when officers noticed a man who appeared to be under the influence of drugs getting into a vehicle. The vehicle was pursued by police and eventually stopped. A search of the driver and his vehicle led to the discovery of a quantity of suspected controlled drugs and drug paraphernalia. A roadside drug test conducted by a specially trained officer resulted in a positive result. The 33-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of drug possession, possession with intent to supply, possession of criminal property, and driving while unfit.
Separately, in L'Derry, officers stopped a vehicle being driven suspiciously in the Eglinton area. Suspecting the driver may be under the influence of drugs, a roadside drug test was administered. The 56-year-old driver failed the test and was arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit.
Both men were later released on bail pending further investigation. The introduction of DrugWipes is expected to enhance law enforcement efforts to combat drug-related driving offences.
Superintendent William Calderwood said: "It's disappointing a minority of people continue to disregard the safety of themselves and others, by taking the incredibly dangerous risk of driving after drinking or taking drugs.
"DrugWipes are a great new resource which allow us to target those using illegal drugs while driving and ensure they face the full rigours of the law for their lack of care for their community.
"We are committed to continually improving road safety and robustly challenging those who recklessly risk the safety of road users and the wider public.
"We all share the responsibility to keep ourselves and other road users safe."
DrugWipes, which can detect cannabis and cocaine use, are being used by specially trained officers from the Road Policing Unit and District Support Teams.
The first arrest occurred in Enniskillen when officers noticed a man who appeared to be under the influence of drugs getting into a vehicle. The vehicle was pursued by police and eventually stopped. A search of the driver and his vehicle led to the discovery of a quantity of suspected controlled drugs and drug paraphernalia. A roadside drug test conducted by a specially trained officer resulted in a positive result. The 33-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of drug possession, possession with intent to supply, possession of criminal property, and driving while unfit.
Both men were later released on bail pending further investigation. The introduction of DrugWipes is expected to enhance law enforcement efforts to combat drug-related driving offences.
Superintendent William Calderwood said: "It's disappointing a minority of people continue to disregard the safety of themselves and others, by taking the incredibly dangerous risk of driving after drinking or taking drugs.
"DrugWipes are a great new resource which allow us to target those using illegal drugs while driving and ensure they face the full rigours of the law for their lack of care for their community.
"We are committed to continually improving road safety and robustly challenging those who recklessly risk the safety of road users and the wider public.
"We all share the responsibility to keep ourselves and other road users safe."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 July 2023
Road Safety Warning Amid Increase In Careless Driving Deaths
New statistics have revealed that 57% of people killed or seriously injured on NI roads in 2021 were the result of careless driving. The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has highlighted a steady increase in the number of careless driving deaths each year and has called on road users to 'redouble efforts to travel with due care and attention'.
Road Safety Warning Amid Increase In Careless Driving Deaths
New statistics have revealed that 57% of people killed or seriously injured on NI roads in 2021 were the result of careless driving. The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has highlighted a steady increase in the number of careless driving deaths each year and has called on road users to 'redouble efforts to travel with due care and attention'.
01 March 2017
New Ad Campaign Launched To Encourage Reporting Of Drug Dealing
A major ad campaign has been launched urging the public to report drug dealing to Crimstoppers. The campaign, which will feature viral videos alongside bus, adshel, online and radio advertising, aims to highlight the damage drugs do to individuals, families and communities.
New Ad Campaign Launched To Encourage Reporting Of Drug Dealing
A major ad campaign has been launched urging the public to report drug dealing to Crimstoppers. The campaign, which will feature viral videos alongside bus, adshel, online and radio advertising, aims to highlight the damage drugs do to individuals, families and communities.
17 December 2010
Many Arrests In Gardaí Drugs Raids
A total of 45 people have been arrested in the past 48 hours in Gardaí a crackdown on the sale and supply of heroin and 'crack' cocaine in the Dublin region. The operation, which involved Garda drug units from Kevin Street, Pearse Street and Store Street stations, resulted in 150 charges being brought, according to Gardaí this morning.
Many Arrests In Gardaí Drugs Raids
A total of 45 people have been arrested in the past 48 hours in Gardaí a crackdown on the sale and supply of heroin and 'crack' cocaine in the Dublin region. The operation, which involved Garda drug units from Kevin Street, Pearse Street and Store Street stations, resulted in 150 charges being brought, according to Gardaí this morning.
27 January 2005
Research reveals extent of drug use in NI
A new report into behavioural habits of injecting drug users in Northern Ireland has found that almost one in three people who use needles to inject drugs have been diagnosed with Hepatitus C.
Research reveals extent of drug use in NI
A new report into behavioural habits of injecting drug users in Northern Ireland has found that almost one in three people who use needles to inject drugs have been diagnosed with Hepatitus C.
11 November 2024
New Road Safety Campaign Warns Of Drink Driving Dangers
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has unveiled a new public information campaign to raise awareness of the risks associated with drink driving, particularly during the upcoming festive season. The campaign, titled 'RoadWise Up', aims to highlight the severe consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol.
New Road Safety Campaign Warns Of Drink Driving Dangers
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has unveiled a new public information campaign to raise awareness of the risks associated with drink driving, particularly during the upcoming festive season. The campaign, titled 'RoadWise Up', aims to highlight the severe consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
