KEY POINTS:
Police believe a repeat drink-driver is among 23 people they netted driving over the legal alcohol limit in Western Bay of Plenty last night.
Sergeant Trinity Morrison said the man, who had six previous drink-driving convictions, was unable to give a sufficient breath sample when stopped at Greerton last night. A blood sample was taken and police were confident it would allow them to charge him when results were received.
A further 22 drivers, including eight under the age of 20, were caught in what was the fourth week of a three-month blitz for the area. It last night focused on Papamoa, Mount Manganui, Tauranga and Greerton.
"The operation began with a 60-hour continual booze bus operation over Labour Weekend but that hasn't seemed to stem the flow of drivers that get into their cars after drinking too much alcohol," Mr Morrison said.
Three drivers automatically lost their licence for 28 days as a result of their high breath alcohol levels.
- NZPA
