The Sligo-Leitrim Garda Superintendent is appealing to all drivers to consider the harm they could do to a community if they drive while under the influence of drink or drugs.
Gardai in Leitrim have recorded a significant increase in drug driving in the last year despite fewer drivers being on the roads due to the pandemic.
In his report to the Leitrim joint Policing Committee, Chief Superintendent Aidan Glacken revealed a general decrease in crime levels across the county in the last 12 months.
He explained that Covid has impacted crime because of less people on roads as well as no night-time economy and more garda checkpoints.
Assaults and public order offences have decreased significantly while thefts and burglaries are also down. However, he outlined that drug searches in Leitrim are up over 200% in the last 12 months as detections of narcotics for personal use, as well as more significant seizures have been made by Gardai.
Due to the lack of a night-time economy, Chief Superintendent Aidan Glacken said it was of particular concern to have detected more drivers under the influence of drugs on the roads. He warned that this type of behaviour has the potential to cause very serious levels of harm and trauma across communities and ruin the lives of many families
He also asked people to think twice before taking a lethal weapon under the influence of drink or drugs on the roads.
