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Gardaí arrest multiple drivers who tested positive for cocaine in major drug driving clampdown

Gardaí arrest multiple drivers who tested positive for cocaine in major drug driving clampdown

Sunday World4 days ago

A 'very intoxicated' driver who refused to provide a roadside breath specimen was also arrested in Kildare
The driver was arrested for intoxicated driving. Photo: An Garda Síochána Kildare
Three drivers were arrested in Kildare for drug driving. Photo: Garda Traffic on X
Three drivers were arrested in Kildare for drug driving. Photo: Garda Traffic on X
Three drivers were arrested in Kildare for drug driving. Photo: Garda Traffic on X
Three motorists have been arrested in Co Kildare in quick succession of one another for driving while on cocaine.
The Naas Roads Policing Unit were out on patrol when they detected an unaccompanied learner driver speeding at 93kmh in a 60kmh zone on a wet local road at Castlekealy in Caragh.
Once Gardaí stopped the vehicle, the driver was checked for drugs and subsequently tested positive for cocaine. The driver was arrested and is due in court, while their car was seized.
Three drivers were arrested in Kildare for drug driving. Photo: Garda Traffic on X
The next incident happened at Straffan in Co Kildare. The Naas Roads Policing Unit stopped a vehicle due to an ANPR alert for no insurance.
This driver also tested positive for cocaine and was arrested for drug driving. The vehicle was impounded with court proceedings to follow for the driver.
Three drivers were arrested in Kildare for drug driving. Photo: Garda Traffic on X
Gardaí from the Newbridge Roads Policing Unit also intercepted a vehicle after noticing it was not properly insured.
A quick check on the Garda mobility app confirmed the car's insurance had expired in November and had not been insured since.
On top of that, the driver also tested positive for cocaine and faces a day in court.
Three drivers were arrested in Kildare for drug driving. Photo: Garda Traffic on X
Meanwhile, in Maynooth, during a mandatory intoxicant checkpoint at Parson Street lead by the Naas Roads Policing Unit, Gardaí stopped a driver who was not wearing a seatbelt.
Gardaí quickly discovered the driver was 'very intoxicated' so insisted on doing a roadside breath test.
The driver refused to provide a roadside breath specimen and was arrested and brought to Leixlip Garda Station where Gardaí say they remained 'uncooperative' and again, refused to provide a breath, blood or urine sample.
The driver was arrested for intoxicated driving. Photo: An Garda Síochána Kildare
This driver has since been charged with three offences and will appear in court soon.
"The driver now faces a four-year driving disqualification, a fine of up to €5,000 and up to six months in prison,' said a Garda spokesperson.
"Never drive under the influence of drink or drugs. It's dangerous It's illegal. It's never worth the risk,' they concluded.
Three drivers were arrested in Kildare for drug driving. Photo: Garda Traffic on X
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