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Hamburg police have concluded a major week-long road safety operation, resulting in the detection of 160 drivers operating vehicles under the influence of drugs. The initiative, dubbed the “DiS” week-standing for “Drug Detection in Road Traffic”-took place from Tuesday to Thursday throughout the city, aiming to curb impaired driving and improve road safety.
International cooperation in road safety
This year marked the 20th edition of the operation. Beyond local Hamburg police officers, the force received support from colleagues across Germany, as well as from Switzerland, Austria, and France. The primary goal of the collaboration was to exchange expertise and refine techniques for identifying drivers impaired by alcohol or narcotics.
Operation results and statistics
During the intense week of checks, authorities inspected approximately 2,100 vehicles and over 2,300 individuals. The final tally included:
- 160 drivers under the influence of drugs.
- 7 drivers under the influence of alcohol.
Police implemented a mix of large-scale stationary checkpoints and mobile teams, including officers in unmarked vehicles, to ensure comprehensive coverage of the city’s traffic.
Targeting ‘drug taxis’
The operation successfully identified several individuals suspected of using vehicles to transport illegal substances, commonly referred to as “drug taxis.” In one notable incident near the wholesale market in Hammerbrook, police stopped a 46-year-old man in possession of a loaded firearm and cocaine. In a separate stop, a 44-year-old female driver and her passenger were found with various drugs, including twelve small vials filled with cocaine, along with approximately 5,500 euros in cash.
Context of road safety in Hamburg
The operation highlights ongoing concerns regarding road safety in Hamburg. According to police data, there were approximately 760 traffic accidents involving alcohol in the city last year, resulting in 410 injuries-63 of which were serious-and three fatalities. Furthermore, 2024 saw the highest number of drug-related traffic accidents with casualties in six years, prompting authorities to intensify enforcement efforts.
Source: NDR
