Why it matters: The arrests highlight the scale of drug-driving in Suffolk as police intensify their annual Christmas campaign targeting impaired drivers with the message "Don't put drugs in the driving seat".
The details: Officers conducted 17 roadside drug tests during the operation on Wednesday, 3 December, with four returning positive results. All four individuals who tested positive were arrested on suspicion of drug-driving.
The intelligence-led operation, running under the banner of Operation Alliance, saw 97 vehicles escorted back to a check site at the Copdock truck stop, where police and partner agencies conducted checks.
Officers were focused on the fatal four offences of drink/drug driving, driving whilst using a mobile phone, speeding, and not wearing a seat belt. A total of 38 people were breathalysed for drink-driving, all of whom tested negative.
What they're saying: Sergeant Alex Kelly, of the Roads and Armed Policing Team, said: "The four arrests for drug-driving underline why this is an area we are focusing on with our annual Christmas campaign highlighting the dangers of drink and drug driving. This year, the message is 'Don't put drugs in the driving seat' as this is an ever-growing issue, particularly with men."
Tim Passmore, Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "Sadly, drug driving has continued to be an issue, as has driving vehicles unfit for the road – and there really is no excuse for this."
The bigger picture: The operation was aimed at disrupting criminal activity whilst also improving road safety across the county. Roads and Armed Policing Team officers are deployed 24/7 to detect dangerous driving and reduce the likelihood of someone being killed or seriously injured.
The bottom line: With four drug-driving arrests during a single day of action, police have underlined the ongoing challenge of tackling impaired driving in Suffolk, particularly as the Christmas campaign period continues.
