More motorists being caught drug driving

Significant rise in number of drivers testing positive for drugs

The number of motorists in Denmark caught behind the wheel with drugs in their system has increased by as much as 233 percent from 2010 to 2013 according to new figures.

It has been revealed that 4307 drivers received a fine or were imprisoned for driving under the influence of drugs last year.

By comparison, only 1849 were caught for the same offence in 2010.

READ ALSO: Legal cannabis rejected by government

Hot spot around Christiania
In Copenhagen alone the police stopped 1445 motorists driving under the influence of narcotics.

More than 600 of those caught were driving in the vicinity of Christiania.

Allan Wadsworth-Hansen of the Copenhagen Police Traffic Department  described the problem. “Experience shows that it is particularly drivers affected by marijuana that drive around Christiania,” he said to Metroxpress.

READ ALSO: Traffic safety commission wants drink driving limit lowered 

'Narkometer'
Since the turn of the year traffic departments nationwide have been able to step up their efforts in stopping drug drivers with the use of a new controversial ‘narkometer’ tool.

“If we are in doubt if a person is affected by one or more drugs, then the ‘narkometer’ can reveal whether there are any illegal drugs in the body, and if so, which ones,” Allan Wadsworth-Hansen said.

On Wednesday, Copenhagen City Court sentenced a 23 year old man to four and a half years in prison for running down and killing a 46-year-old woman whilst under the influence of alcohol and drugs.




  • The Lynch Interviews: Fergal O’Byrne

    The Lynch Interviews: Fergal O’Byrne

    English-Australian writer and theatre director Stuart Lynch contributes a monthly column titled “The Lynch Interviews”. In this series, he engages with prominent internationals residing in Denmark or Danish individuals with a global perspective. For April, he interviews Irish playwright and writer Fergal O’Byrne, fresh from an acclaimed season of a new English-language play in Copenhagen.

  • Why your talented internationals aren’t moving up the ladder – and what to do about it

    Why your talented internationals aren’t moving up the ladder – and what to do about it

    Many internationals find it difficult to advance in their new workplaces, and some quietly leave. It’s not because they lack talent. In Denmark, careers are shaped not only by skills but also by cultural understanding, informal networks, and social signals. However, internationals may not be familiar with this system or know how to navigate it

  • The international behind Donkey Republic: how a Turkish systems thinker reimagined urban mobility in Denmark

    The international behind Donkey Republic: how a Turkish systems thinker reimagined urban mobility in Denmark

    Erdem Ovacık, co-founder of Donkey Republic, built one of Europe’s leading bike-sharing companies from Denmark — but success as an international entrepreneur hasn’t come easy

  • Denmark hits 66.2 million overnight stays: what’s fueling the rise?

    Denmark hits 66.2 million overnight stays: what’s fueling the rise?

    In 2024, Denmark saw 1.5 million more overnight stays than in 2023, bringing the total to 66.2 million staying in hotels, holiday centers, campsites, and youth hostels. It’s clear: after COVID-19, traveling is now back on the table. But the question is: why are people choosing Denmark?

  • World Cup in Ice Hockey will face off in Herning

    World Cup in Ice Hockey will face off in Herning

    As in 2018, Denmark will co-host the Ice Hockey World Championship. And once again, Herning and Jyske Bank Boxen will be the hosts. Denmark is in Pool B and starts tonight with a match against the USA, which, given the political tensions between the two countries, may be an icy affair.

  • Diplomatic tensions between US and Denmark after spying rumors

    Diplomatic tensions between US and Denmark after spying rumors

    A Wall Street Journal article describes that the US will now begin spying in Greenland. This worries the Danish foreign minister, who wants an explanation from the US’s leading diplomat. Greenlandic politicians think that Trump’s actions increase the sense of insecurity

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.