Drug driving, outstanding Deportation Orders and disqualified drivers are among the findings of a multi-agency Garda checkpoint on the N17 in Tuam, County Galway today.
The high visibility operation involved close co-operation between An Garda Síochána, the Road Safety Authority, Revenue, Customs, the Department of Social Protection and Galway City and County Councils.
There were three detections for drug driving, testing positive for cocaine and cannabis, and other vehicles were seized for having no tax or insurance and other Road Traffic offences, including one vehicle that was dangerously defective.
Immigration checks were also carried out, with two persons refused Leave to Land and will be deported from the country tonight.
Two people were arrested on foot of outstanding Deportation Orders, and other disqualified driver arrested.
The Department of Social Protection identified people for whom they wish to carry out further enquiries.
Revenue seized one foreign-registered vehicle.
The Garda operation served as a Mandatory Intoxicating Testing (MIT) checkpoint and focused on providing a high-visibility policing presence to help reduce road deaths. It also served to disrupt the free movement of criminals using the roads network.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland implemented a full traffic management plan to allow the diversion of traffic over a period of more than three hours southbound on the M17, just outside Tuam.
Inspector Adrian Queeney, Roads Policing Unit, Galway Division, said: “The purpose of the operation is to have a high enforcement of road traffic legislation; high-visibility presence. We’re testing drivers for impairment, such as under the influence of drugs. We’re also out to deter the movement of criminals using our road network.”
Superintendent Padraic Burke, North Western Region Roads Policing, added: “Today, in collaboration with our partner agencies, we’re focused on environmental and wildlife crime. That incorporates metal theft, the transportation of waste and the movement of animals without permits.”
