Paderborn: Traffic checks, four cannabis cases

On Thursday, 28 May, Paderborn police conducted a large-scale traffic check across the city. The operation focused explicitly on alcohol and drugs in road traffic. It forms part of the statewide #LEBEN campaign, which aims to prevent serious accidents and remind road users about safe mobility. For drivers, the message was clear: anyone behind the wheel under the influence of narcotics or alcohol must expect consequences.

Two checkpoints in the city

Officers set up checkpoints at two fixed locations where through traffic was stopped and checked as required. Controls took place on Frankfurter Weg and Barkhausener Straße. At both sites, officers assessed fitness to drive, recorded offences and initiated further measures where necessary. The combination of visible police presence and targeted checks was intended both to deter violations and to detect concrete offences.

Four drivers under the influence of cannabis

The drug-related findings centred on four drivers whom police confirmed were suspected of driving under the influence of cannabis. Blood samples were taken to secure evidence forensically. Officers filed regulatory offence reports against all four. According to the district police authority, penalties may include a 500 euro fine, a one-month driving ban and two points on the driving aptitude register. The cases show that driving under cannabis influence is not treated lightly in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Officers used standard procedures to establish fitness to drive, including stops, initial tests and medically supervised blood sampling. That closes gaps a mere suspicion alone could not fill. For other road users, it means checks aim at reliable evidence rather than blanket suspicion.

Further offences beyond drugs

Alongside the cannabis cases, officers recorded numerous other road traffic offences. Several drivers failed to carry a licence or vehicle documents; others breached equipment regulations. Loading security violations were also documented. This shows the operation was not limited to narcotics but addressed overall road safety. Depending on severity, those involved face warning fines, reports or further checks.

Noise violation and vehicle seizure

One striking case involved a car stopped for a significant noise violation. Checks showed the vehicle’s operating permit had expired. Police seized the car for expert examination and filed a regulatory offence report. The case illustrates that technical defects and illegal modifications are targeted during checks alongside drugs and alcohol at the wheel.

Lorry driver and suspected undeclared work

During the checks, officers suspected a lorry driver of undeclared work. Police prepared a separate report for customs, which may take further action. The case shows traffic stops can link to other authorities when economic or labour law issues arise alongside traffic offences.

Summary: warning fines and reports

Overall, officers issued twelve warning fines and drew up eleven regulatory offence reports during the operation. The figures summarise both minor and more serious violations detected in Paderborn on a single Thursday. They show how complex a routine control day can be when focus areas and locations are set deliberately.

Alcohol and drug-related checks are a recurring part of road safety work in Paderborn, especially when campaigns such as #LEBEN draw extra attention. Police stress that accidents remain preventable through foresight and that every reported journey under the influence endangers others.

#LEBEN campaign and police message

Through #LEBEN, police link efforts to reduce serious accidents with a clear message: safe mobility depends on obeying rules. Accidents usually occur because regulations are ignored, whether through intoxication, drug use, missing documents or unapproved vehicles. The Paderborn check on 28 May was therefore both a tactical measure and a visible signal within this prevention campaign. Media enquiries may be directed to the press office of the Paderborn district police authority.