North Platte police seized 509 grams of suspected meth and a dose of fentanyl during a two-week effort to crack down on drunk driving.
From Aug. 18-Sept. 4, officers participated in a special “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” effort, working extra hours and making 160 “traffic contacts,” the department said in a news release.
Eight people were charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and one for DUI – drugs.
In addition to the discovery and seizure of meth and fentanyl, four grams of suspected marijuana was seized, and a suspected stolen vehicle from Hastings was found.
Eighteen speeding citations were issued. Eleven citations were issued for violation of traffic control devices, such as stop lights and stop signs. Police found eight people who were wanted on previous charges, and made four felony arrests.
The enforcement effort was conducted in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
State troopers: DUI charges, speeding tickets
State troopers arrested 94 impaired drivers during the same campaign and issued a whopping 1,580 speeding tickets.
They also arrested 99 suspected felons, Thomas said.
“As we move from the summer driving season into the fall months, drivers need to remain vigilant on the roads,” said Nebraska State Patrol Superintendent Col. John Bolduc.
Seventy of the speeding citations were for 100 mph or faster, Thomas said.
Also, they issued the following tickets:
• Driving under suspension (120)
• No seat belt (47)
• Improper child restraint (26)
• Open alcohol container (31)
• Minor in possession (15)
Troopers also came to the aid of 794 motorists.
Labor Day marks the traditional end of the summer travel season. This summer, from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, troopers made 393 DUI arrests and cited 357 drivers for speeding at or above 100 miles per hour.
They performed over 4,000 motorist assists throughout the state, Thomas said.
“With summer vacations in the rear view, now is the time to stay alert for changing weather conditions and keep an eye out for farm machinery moving from field to field,” said Bolduc. “When you’re driving, keep your focus on the road and help keep Nebraska roads safe.”
The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is made possible in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office, Thomas said.
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4 whole grams of weed! WOW WOW WOW.
What’s pathetic is that NPPD should be doing this every week on patrol. It’s their jobs. Good Job Reeves letting NP Drivers get away with murder. Would love to see the attorney generals office investigate the inept police dept we have here in town and who its lead by.