North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobin joined forces with the North Wales Police Road Police Unit (RPU) as part of the Christmas anti-drinking and drug trafficking campaign.
The RPU team included Inspector Iwan Roberts, Sergeant Liam Ho, PC Nicholas Chalk, PC Pete Dolan, and PC Dylan Smith.
Police were stopping drivers on both sides of the A548 in Gronant, Flintshire, for breathalyzer tests to see if they were ignoring the law and endangering their fellow public while driving under the influence.
Dunbobin spoke about the importance of the campaign, their experiences during the campaign so far, and offered advice to motorists about the importance of them engaging with the public and not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. I saw it with my eyes.
As of December 21, this year’s campaign has so far arrested 62 drivers on suspicion of drug driving and 42 on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Drivers arrested for drug driving will await further test results before a decision is made to prosecute them.
If convicted of drug driving, they can be disqualified and face fines, prison terms, and criminal records.
Also, few people realize that a drug trafficking conviction can result in higher insurance premiums and the inability to travel to countries such as the United States.
North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobin said:
“It’s good to see Road Police officers engaging with the public and spreading the message that drinking and drug driving can be deadly and will not be tolerated in North Wales.
“Operations like this in Gronnant and elsewhere in the region help reinforce that message.”
Inspector Iwan Roberts, North Wales Police Road Guard, said:
“Every time a drunk driver or drug trafficker is brought onto the street, we hope an accident is avoided or a life is saved.”
Throughout the campaign, support from public and local businesses was strong, and they stopped recognizing the importance of the campaign’s message.
Roberts said last Sunday, during the recent cold weather, the unit stopped the driver in St. Asaf and the Talardi Hotel team brought him hot drinks to keep them warm. Support from local businesses for police efforts to keep customers safe.
Sergeant Liam Ho said:
“Part of the reason we’re stopping people at this time is for visibility and deterrence, but also for engaging with the public.
“Most of the people we talk to are not DUIs or drug drivers. I might tell other people who might be there not to risk drinking or driving drugs at Christmas.”
If you have information about someone who you believe is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, report it immediately to the police at 101 (999 for imminent danger) or anonymously at 0800 555 111 Contact Crimestoppers.