Nearly 100 arrests in North Wales festive drink-drive campaign
Police have made 97 arrests across North Wales since the start of the annual Christmas anti drink and drug drive campaign, known as Operation Limit.
Between 1 and 16 December, officers made 36 drink drive arrests and 61 drug drive arrests, a sharp rise compared with last year’s figures of 33 and 28 respectively.
Among those arrested was HGV driver Olegs Markusonoks, 57, a Lithuanian national stopped by the Roads Crime Unit on the A55 near Bodelwyddan following a call from a concerned member of the public.
He failed a roadside breath test, was taken into custody, and later charged.
He pleaded guilty at Llandudno Magistrates Court and was disqualified from driving for 12 months, fined £500, and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £200 victim surcharge.
Another HGV driver, aged 34, was arrested near Rhosneigr on 10 December after providing a positive roadside breath test.
He has been charged and will appear before Caernarfon Magistrates Court next month.
Those arrested on suspicion of drug driving are awaiting test results before any charging decisions are made.
Police said roadside tests indicated cannabis or cocaine use, with two drivers testing positive for both alcohol and drugs.
Officers have recorded a 25% increase in roadside positives for cocaine and a 117.8% rise in drug drive arrests compared with the same period in 2024.
Sergeant Emma Birrell of the Roads Crime Unit urged drivers to think carefully before getting behind the wheel. She said: “We have a zero-tolerance approach to drink and drug driving all year round, but our December campaign sees us conducting extensive patrols across the region.
“We’ve carried out several operations in areas such as Queensferry, Llandudno, Bontddu, Menai Bridge, Bangor and Towyn which thankfully, resulted in all drivers providing negative readings. Other offences – such driving with no licence, no insurance, no valid MOT and using a mobile phone were also discovered.
“Driving whilst under the influence risks the lives of all road users and I’d like to thank all those who have contacted us so far with information. Your calls really do make a difference.
“Anyone who is considering driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs should know that we are fully committed to help make the roads safer for all and we’ll continue to target those who endanger their own lives and the lives of others. So far, we’ve made arrests across all six counties. There really is no hiding place.
“With the last Friday before Christmas just days away I would urge people to plan their journey home. Either book a taxi or arrange a lift with a family member or friend. Alcohol and drugs stay in your system longer so we’re also reminding drivers that they could still be over the legal alcohol limit the next morning. The message is simple – if you’ve been drinking or taking drugs, don’t drive.”
Follow the campaign online via the hashtags #OpLimit and #Fatal5.
Anyone who suspects someone of driving while unfit is urged to contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency, or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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