A 51-year-old man was arrested for drink driving and illegal residence in Cyprus during a nationwide police operation on Christmas night. The incident occurred in the early hours, around 3am, when the man collided lightly with another vehicle on Faneromeni Avenue in Larnaca.
The driver of the other vehicle, a 29-year-old, reported no injuries, and the collision only caused minor material damage. However, a breathalyser test revealed that the 51-year-old had a blood alcohol concentration of 76μg per cent, significantly exceeding the legal limit of 22μg per cent. In addition to the drink driving charge, further investigations uncovered that he was residing illegally in the Republic of Cyprus, leading to his arrest.
This arrest was part of a broader crackdown by police, who conducted over 820 checks across the island on the night of December 25. These efforts resulted in a total of 102 traffic offences recorded, including 33 instances of driving under the influence of alcohol. Additionally, six drivers were found positive in preliminary roadside drug tests.
In the context of these operations, police also impounded six vehicles and arrested four individuals on various charges, which included car theft, possession of a knife, and outstanding fine warrants. The increased police presence aimed to enhance safety and reduce traffic violations during the holiday period.
Earlier in the week, authorities had warned of an anticipated surge in traffic as the holidays approached. To address this, they intensified their patrols on main city roads and intercity routes, with enhanced checks commencing on December 22 and continuing until January 6, 2025. These targeted operations are part of a comprehensive strategy to prevent and combat crime across the region.
