Since cannabis was legalized in Germany on April 1, police have been conducting major operations in the border area in Upper Austria. In the first three weeks, not a single domestic drug trafficker was caught, only three people living in Germany. Supervision remains intensive.
The fears were high, but the effects are small – at least so far. Since the legalization of cannabis in Germany on April 1, police have reportedly tightened their controls in the border areas of Upper Austria to literally eliminate potential drug traffickers from the market. The ÖVP and FPÖ in particular had also requested this politically.
The first assessment after three weeks of priority checks: “So far no deviations have occurred in the border districts,” summarizes Günther Humer, deputy director of the state police.
Three drug drivers in Schärding
In concrete figures: Not a single driver was found to be under the influence of narcotics during the main operations carried out by the state traffic service and the police commands of Braunau and Ried. Only the Schärding district police command arrested three drug drivers, all of whom lived in Germany. To date, no “smugglers” have been arrested attempting to import cannabis across the border from Bavaria into Upper Austria.
Nevertheless, Humer wants to continue intensive monitoring. Why? “The fact is: the decision in Germany could have consequences for Upper Austria, especially when driving a vehicle under the influence of drugs. There are currently no deviations, but that could change at any time. That is why we maintain the controls.”
Fog causes seven percent of accidents
The fact that virtually no drug traffickers have been caught at the center of the legalization campaign so far doesn’t mean there are no more people out there in our state. And one thing is indisputable: driving under the influence can cause accidents. According to Statistics Austria, 7.4 percent of all accidents across Austria were probably caused by alcohol, drugs or medication.
At priority checks, the police first look for certain clues, such as red eyes or the smell of cannabis. If the rapid saliva test produces a positive drug result, go to the doctor.
Source: Krone
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