Over 20 drivers were arrested early Sunday morning following a “special road traffic inspection operation” conducted by the National Republican Guard (GNR) on major access roads to Póvoa de Varzim, in the Porto district.
The operation by the National Traffic Unit (UNT), held between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., targeted the main risk factors associated with road accidents, particularly driving under the influence of alcohol, according to a statement from the security force accessed by Notícias ao Minuto.
In total, 2,164 drivers were inspected, of which 28 were arrested. Among them, 25 drivers were detained for driving under the influence of alcohol, presenting a blood alcohol level exceeding 1.2 g/l. The detainees were made official suspects and notified to appear at the Public Prosecutor’s Office, according to the statement.
The GNR also issued 117 administrative offense notices, including 100 for driving under the influence of alcohol.
The special road traffic inspection was carried out at various points, including the access to Motorway No. 7 (A7) – AGROS Roundabout, the access to Motorway No. 28 (A28) – Póvoa Junction, on National Road No. 13 (EN13) – Azurara, and on National Road No. 13 (EN13) – Aguçadoura.
Authorities highlighted that the special operation was reinforced by military personnel from the Territorial Commands of Aveiro, Porto, and Viana do Castelo, mobilizing a total of 69 military officers.
“The National Republican Guard reminds that, aside from the criminal severity of these offenses, driving under the influence of alcohol is one of the main risk factors for road driving, being a factor that increases the likelihood of road accidents,” it emphasized.
GNR further noted that “the prevention and combat of risk factors for the occurrence of road accidents constitutes a strategic concern” for the security force.
The operation took place between 3:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. on this Tuesday on the main access routes to the Porto Metropolitan Area. Of the 64 arrests, 60 were for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Lusa | 09:21 – 24/06/2025
On Tuesday, the GNR inspected 4,165 drivers, of which 64 were arrested during a special road traffic inspection operation on the main access routes to the Porto Metropolitan Area. Among these, 60 had a blood alcohol level exceeding 1.2 g/l.
This operation, conducted between 3:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. on that day, resulted in 278 administrative offense notices, 233 of which were for driving under the influence of alcohol.
During this operation, also aimed at risk factors associated with road accidents, particularly driving under the influence of alcohol, a stolen vehicle was recovered on the A28 motorway.
This special road traffic inspection operation was bolstered by military personnel from the Territorial Commands of Aveiro, Porto, and Viana do Castelo, engaging a total of 148 military officers.
