- Law enforcement officials apprehended 114 motorists under the influence of narcotics.
During a three-day crackdown, Hamburg law enforcement apprehended 114 motorists under the influence of narcotics. This operation drew in police officers from all over Germany, customs agents, medical experts from the Legal Institute, and specialists hailing from France, Austria, and Switzerland, as per the police statement. The operation also served as a platform for knowledge sharing and joint training sessions. Over the course of the operation, 180 officers examined about 2,200 vehicles and around 2,500 individuals. Of the 114 drug-impaired drivers, 98 were slapped with fines, while the remaining 16 had taken such a large dose of narcotics that criminal proceedings were initiated.
Ever since August 22, drivers have been subject to a new limit for cannabis usage. Anyone driving with 3.5 nanograms of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) or above per milliliter of blood is considered to have committed an administrative offense, typically resulting in a 500-euro fine and a one-month driving suspension. If the police also discern driving errors and symptoms of impairment, the offense could escalate into a criminal one, prompting a blood test. During the three-day operation, 118 blood samples were collected, some due to alcohol-related reasons. The officers confiscated 30 driver's licenses, while 40 pulled over drivers couldn't present a legitimate driving permit.
The policing team for the operation, including officers from Hamburg and other parts of Germany, was strengthened by the presence of experts and specialists from Austria, France, and Switzerland. Following the operation, some of the 114 drug-impaired drivers were not only fined but also faced criminal proceedings in German courts.
