Teenager From Wrexham Arrested on Suspicion of Drug Driving

A teenager from Wrexham has been arrested on suspicion of drug-driving after failing a roadside drug swipe test on the weekend.

The 19-year-old man from the Wrexham area was arrested on August 14th on the A5 at Bethesda.

He was stopped by officers for driving at excess speed but later failed the roadside drug swipe test after testing positive for cannabis.

The man was issued with a TOR (Traffic Offence Report) for the excess speed and taken to police custody on suspicion of drug-driving. He was later released on police bail pending the results of further tests.

The arrest was one of several drug-drive related arrests made over the weekend by officers from the Roads Policing Unit.

On the morning of Friday morning August 12th a 43-year-old man from Rhyl was arrested in the town after failing the roadside drugs test after testing positive for cannabis. He was later released on police bail.

Later that day a 25-year-old man from the Birkenhead area was arrested on the A55 at St Asaph after testing positive for cannabis. He was subsequently bailed pending the results of further tests.

On the morning of Saturday 13th August, a 41-year-old man from the Warrington area was also stopped by officers for driving at excess speed on the A55, Caergeiliog on Anglesey. He subsequently failed the roadside drugs swipe test after testing positive for cannabis and was arrested and later released on bail. He was issued with a TOR for the excess speed.

Later that evening a 25-year-old man from Corwen was arrested in the Denbigh area after failing the roadside drugs swipe test. He tested positive for cannabis and was later released on police bail.

Sergeant Stephen Richards from the Roads Policing Unit said: “It is disappointing that a small minority of people are still intent on ignoring our messages.

“During the recent summer all Wales drink and drug drive campaign North Wales Police arrested 36 people for driving under the influence of drugs and this is clearly unacceptable.

“Many people may be unaware that regular or heavy cannabis users can be affected for up to a month or perhaps even longer.

“The penalties for drug-driving are also the same for drink-driving – which means if convicted people could face a minimum 12-month driving ban, have a criminal record and could face a heavy fine, up to six months in prison or both.

He added: “Our officers are better equipped than ever to detect and penalise those who take this very dangerous risk. North Wales Police also have a robust strategy around enforcing the ‘Fatal 5’ offences which includes drug driving. We will continue to target those who continue to endanger the lives of innocent road users and anyone who is considering driving whilst under the influence of drugs should know that we will be out and about waiting for them.”

Anybody who may have information relating to drink or drug drivers is asked to contact North Wales Police on 101. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.