Senior Reporter
shane.superville@guardian.co.tt
A member of the national men’s football team was among six people arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol early yesterday morning.
Between 7.30 am and 11 am, officers from the Port-of-Spain Division set up roadblocks after the Stink and Dutty fete at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, and did breathalyser tests on patrons as they left the venue in their cars.
The five men and one woman arrested included a motorist with a blood-alcohol level of 83 milligrams per 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 milligrams per 100 millilitres of breath.
Police said the footballer was charged and granted station bail, while the other five people are expected to be charged for driving under the influence of alcohol.
In addition, police searched 80 cars leaving the venue and 16 fixed penalty notices were issued electronically.
An officer said while there were no reported accidents after the event, people should not drink and drive.
“A lot of people will say they can drive just as well while under the influence as when they are sober, but we’re calling on people not to take that chance.
“You’re not just driving for yourself but others on the road, so please don’t be selfish and take a chance with safety on the roads. Hire a driver to pick you up if you know you’ll be drinking. There are a lot of ride-sharing apps you can use,” he said.
There have been 55 road fatalities for the year so far, compared to 50 for the same period in 2023.