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Suffolk Police launch Christmas drink-drive campaign

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Suffolk emergency services have launched their annual Christmas campaign targeting drink and drug drivers, with enhanced testing capabilities funded by National Highways.

The big picture: The month-long campaign, running from 1 December to 1 January, will see officers breathalyse every driver they stop across Suffolk.

Why it matters: Police are warning that even a few drinks at a Christmas party or after work could put drivers over the limit and lead to:

  • Six months in prison

  • An unlimited fine

  • A driving ban of at least one year

PCC Tim Passmore and representatives from Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service, Suffolk Police & East of England Ambulance Service
PCC Tim Passmore and representatives from Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service, Suffolk Police & East of England Ambulance ServiceSuffolk Constabulary

What they're saying: "The message is simple – do not drive under the influence," said Chief Inspector Vicky McParland.

"It is important to note that alcohol and drugs can stay in your system for longer than you may realise. You could still be under the effects of drugs for days after you have consumed them."

Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore added: "Drink and drug driving kills and there is absolutely no excuse for anyone to drive if they are impaired."

What's new: National Highways has provided additional funding for drug testing kits to be used throughout the campaign, increasing detection capabilities.

The details: The campaign focuses on everyday scenarios where people might be tempted to drive after drinking, including:

  • After-work pub visits

  • Morning-after driving following Christmas parties

  • Short journeys after drinking at home

Alternative options include:

  • Using buses (£2 fare cap until 31 December)

  • Booking taxis

  • Arranging lifts with sober friends or family

The bottom line: Members of the public can report suspected drink or drug drivers anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or should call 999 in an emergency.

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An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

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Albanian drug dealer jailed after hiding cocaine in underwear

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Attwells Solicitors

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An Albanian man who concealed cocaine in his underwear and presented a fake driving licence to police has been jailed for 38 months.

Why it matters: The arrest led to the discovery of more than £20,000 worth of uncut cocaine at an Ipswich address. Regi Salillari, 28, from Albania, was stopped by officers from the West Area Sentinel team on 29 January while driving in Thorney Way, Stowmarket.

Albanian drug dealer Regi Salillari
Albanian drug dealer Regi SalillariSuffolk Constabulary

The details: When approached by police, Salillari attempted to deceive officers by producing a counterfeit Italian driving licence.

Officers searched him and found:

  • Four bags of cocaine hidden in his underwear

  • More than £500 in cash

Following his arrest, a search of an address in Ipswich uncovered:

  • More than £20,000 worth of uncut cocaine

  • Over £1,000 in cash

Cash and cocaine was seized by police
Cash and cocaine was seized by policeSuffolk Constabulary

In court: Salillari appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on 26 March, where he pleaded guilty to:

  • Possession with intent to supply cocaine

  • Driving with no insurance

  • Possessing a fraudulent document with intent to deceive

What they're saying: PC Harry Tully from the West Sentinel team said: "Salillari came to Stowmarket with the sole intention of supplying Class A drugs in the town. When intercepted by officers he attempted to deceive them by proving false details and producing fake documents which he had clearly gone to some lengths to obtain."

"Fortunately, the tenacious officers quickly saw past this elaborate ruse and he was arrested. We will continue to proactively target those involved in organised crime wherever they might be in our county."

The bottom line: Salillari now begins a 38-month prison term, as Suffolk authorities maintain their stance of significant custodial sentences for Class A drug dealers operating in the county.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

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