Mayo driver arrested had five active bench warrants in existence

Over the course of the weekend, Mayo Gardaí made a series of arrests, including one of a driver with five active bench warrants against their name, as they bid to combat a rise in anti-social driving and drug-related activity in the region.

The operations, which were a joint effort from An Garda Síochána in Westport and Castlebar, uncovered a spate of non-compliances.

With the aid of automatic number plate recognition, three motorists were arrested on suspicion of intoxicated driving.

One of these individuals was also found to have five active bench warrants. Gardaí seized four vehicles in total, three of which were suspected of being driven without valid insurance.

A number of additional road traffic offences were recorded, including eight cases of speeding, three incidents of driving without reasonable consideration, 15 non-conforming registration plates, four vehicles without a valid NCT, four without tax, and two with dangerously worn tyres.

The Divisional Drugs Unit also made several detections, recovering approximately €2,000 worth of suspected cannabis and cocaine during searches of individuals and properties. Prosecutions are expected following forensic analysis.

With the festive season approaching, Gardaí are urging the public to remain vigilant, prioritise road safety, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy.