SEVERAL drink and drug drive arrests have been in Flintshire and Wrexham in recent days, police have said.

North Wales Police said drink and drug drive arrests have been made in the Hope, Mold, Northop and Wrexham town areas over the last few days.

A 63-year-old woman was stopped in Hope when she failed the roadside breath test, but later passed the procedure in custody.

But Sergeant Trystan Bevan of the Roads Policing Unit has urged people not to drive after drinking - regardless of the amount consumed.

He said of the Hope incident and another similar such incident in Bangor: "Despite the two individuals passing the breath test procedure in custody, both took a risk by driving after drinking alcohol.

“Patrols will continue as part of our ongoing commitment to keeping the roads safe for all and to provide a high visibility reassurance to our communities, and we will continue to take action against drivers who commit offences on our roads.”

On Saturday a 28-year-old man tested positive for cannabis at the roadside in Wrexham and a 25-year-old man tested positive for cannabis at the roadside near Mold and was arrested. He was also wanted by Merseyside Police for another offence.

A 26-year-old man was also stopped by officers in Wrexham during the early hours of Saturday morning and tested positive for cannabis, and on Friday other drug-drive related arrests were made in Wrexham and Northop.

As travel restrictions have now eased North Wales Police are reminding motorists that they will continue to crack down on those caught driving whilst under the influence and are warning that education and enforcement to remind drivers of their responsibilities will be stepped up.

Sergeant Trystan Bevan of the Roads Policing Unit said: “Despite our repeated warnings regarding the dangers of drink and drug driving, people are still choosing to risk their own lives and the lives of other road users by taking to the roads whilst under the influence.

“Those arrested on suspicion of drug driving now have an anxious wait for the results of further tests. If convicted of drug driving they could face being disqualified, receive a fine, a prison sentence and a criminal record. Few people also realise that a drug drive conviction also means greater insurance costs and the possibility of being unable to travel to countries such as the USA.

“Some have also been charged with drink driving and will appear before court over the coming weeks.

He added: “Driving with excess alcohol or whilst under the influence of drugs is not just a criminal offence but also completely unacceptable which puts lives at risk. There are no words to describe the devastation caused by drink and drug driving. Having to tell someone their loved one has been killed because a driver made the selfish decision to get behind the wheel whilst under the influence is the worst part of our job.

“Anyone who is considering driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs should know that we will be out and about waiting for them – please don’t think the rural nature of the region affords you protection because it doesn’t.”

If you have information relating to someone you think is driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please contact North Wales Police on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always dial 999.