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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."
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