Motorist tested positive for cocaine, with cannabis in possession, arrested by Cork Gardaí during bank holiday weekend

A driver in Cork was arrested this bank holiday weekend for operating their vehicle under the influence of cocaine, with up to 5kg of suspected cannabis found in their possession.

Between Thursday and Tuesday, An Garda Síochána carried out an extensive roads policing operation, with almost 4,000 drivers caught speeding nationwide, and up to 165 people caught operating their vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant.

Among those 165 drivers was one man in Cork, aged in his 30s, who was stopped during a routine checkpoint.

According to a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána, the male tested positive for cocaine, leading to a search of the vehicle, where 5kg of suspected cannabis was found.

The driver was subsequently arrested and is now due to appear before the courts.

“An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to all road users to never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, to slow down and to always choose a speed that is appropriate for the driving conditions, to wear your seatbelt and keep your eyes always on the road,” the spokesperson said.

“Motorists are reminded to keep distractions out of the vehicle and give your full attention to the road.” 

Further, throughout the bank holiday weekend, there were two fatalities and five serious injury collisions recorded, bringing the total number of deaths on Irish roads this year to 57.

There were also more than 300 drivers detected using a mobile phone while operating their vehicle or not wearing a seatbelt.

Additionally, there were 3,950 people caught speeding across the country, with notable speeds recorded on Monday including 83km/h in a 50km/h zone on Davitt Road in Dublin and 121km/h in a 60km/h zone on the R417 in Kildare.