Augustów: Driver on drugs, marijuana found in car

A routine traffic stop in the Augustów area revealed two cases that went far beyond an ordinary road offence. Officers from the local traffic police stopped two drivers who were behind the wheel despite lifetime driving bans. In both situations, the police also found clear indications of alcohol and/or drug impairment. During the check, marijuana was additionally discovered in one of the vehicles.

Stopped despite lifetime driving bans

According to the police, both drivers had previously drawn attention for serious traffic violations and had therefore received a driving ban imposed for life. Such measures are typically ordered when courts or authorities see an ongoing danger to other road users or when repeated serious offences have been documented. The fact that both nevertheless drove again is viewed by the police as a deliberate disregard of legally binding decisions.

Officers first stopped a 32-year-old man who was driving an Audi. From the first contact, there were indications that the driver was not sober. Checks confirmed the suspicion: the man was under the influence of alcohol and also under the influence of narcotics. The officers then took a closer look at the vehicle.

Marijuana discovered in the car

Inside the 32-year-old’s car, police found marijuana that he was carrying, according to the statement. The amount of cannabis was not specified. For investigators, however, simply transporting drugs in connection with driving while impaired is a particularly serious finding: it raises the suspicion of possession and also prompts questions about whether further background needs to be examined.

The police therefore initiated proceedings covering several offences. In addition to violating the lifetime ban, there is suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, as well as possession of cannabis. The next steps will be handled by the responsible investigative units and, if necessary, the prosecutor’s office.

Second case: over two per mille behind the wheel

Shortly afterwards, officers checked another person, also 32 years old, who was driving a Hyundai. Here too, a lifetime driving ban was in place. During the stop, police identified severe intoxication. According to the police, the driver had more than two per mille of alcohol in her system. Readings at this level are considered a major violation and are often associated with significantly reduced reaction time, orientation and coordination.

From the authorities’ perspective, the combination of a lifetime ban and such a high blood alcohol level is particularly dangerous. Checks of this kind are meant to prevent people who have already been removed from traffic by prior decisions from posing a renewed threat. The police stressed that consistent enforcement of driving bans is an important element of road safety.

Potential consequences for the suspects

According to the police, both drivers face substantial legal consequences. Overall, a prison sentence of up to five years is possible. The cases are especially serious because they occurred in a context where previous violations or offences have already been documented. Under Polish law, penalties can increase under certain conditions when an offence is committed in a repeat-offender scenario, with increases of up to one half possible.

In the Audi driver’s case, the narcotics aspect adds further weight. Besides endangering road safety, possession of cannabis can lead to additional criminal or administrative consequences depending on the circumstances, the amount and the assessment by the competent authorities. Measures such as blood tests, medical assessments or further examinations may also be ordered to determine the timing of consumption and the extent of impairment more precisely.

Multiple offences in one stop

Police see both incidents as an example of how several risk factors can overlap: driving despite a lifetime ban, alcohol at the wheel, and in one case also drug use and marijuana in the car. Investigators say such combinations dramatically increase the risk of serious accidents, because they call into question both driving fitness and the willingness to comply with rules.

Police focus on consistent enforcement

The traffic police announced they will continue targeted checks to identify people with driving bans and to prevent driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Especially in areas with heavy through traffic or on routes frequently used for inspections, the measures are intended to have a preventive effect. At the same time, they serve to document specific offences and to prevent further endangerment of the public.