In the week between June 15th and June 21st, 2026, police forces across Slovenia conducted a nationwide traffic safety operation as part of the national preventive campaign "Varno brez alkohola in drog" ("Safe without Alcohol and Drugs"). The initiative was coordinated by the Public Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for Road Safety. During this period, over 11,000 drivers were checked for alcohol or drug influence, marking one of the most extensive such operations in recent years. The campaign aimed to reduce the number of drivers operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol or other psychoactive substances, which remain significant contributors to road accidents.
The checks included breathalyzer tests for 9,705 drivers and rapid drug tests for 1,025 drivers. According to the results, 258 drivers were found to be under the influence of alcohol, while 36 were influenced by drugs. As a result of these findings, 12 individuals were detained, and 217 driving licenses were temporarily revoked. These figures highlight the ongoing challenge posed by impaired driving, despite efforts to curb its prevalence on Slovenian roads.
The operation took place simultaneously with another incident involving a group of undocumented migrants being transported illegally in a vehicle registered in Maribor. On Friday evening, shortly after 7 PM, police from the Koper Police Department stopped a Mercedes Vito van traveling along the route between Vogljari and Kreplje. However, the driver initially failed to stop and suddenly halted his vehicle in the middle of the road near Kreplje before fleeing on foot. The vehicle contained six Turkish citizens who did not meet the requirements for entry into Slovenia.
The situation escalated when police deployed additional units, including a patrol with a service dog, to locate the fleeing driver. The man, identified as a 58-year-old citizen of Moldova, was quickly apprehended. In addition, a 32-year-old Ukrainian citizen was also arrested after he was found driving a Ford Focus registered in Ljubljana and assisting in the transportation of the undocumented migrants. Both men were taken into custody and brought before the investigative judge in Koper, where they were ordered to be placed in detention.
This incident underscores the complex challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing both impaired driving and illegal immigration. While the primary goal of the national campaign was to ensure road safety by targeting intoxicated drivers, the simultaneous discovery of an organized smuggling operation highlights the broader security concerns that intersect with traffic control measures. The involvement of foreign nationals and the use of vehicles for illicit purposes suggest a larger network that requires coordinated responses from multiple agencies.
Authorities have emphasized that drunk and drug-impaired driving remains a critical factor in severe road accidents. Statistics indicate that alcohol is responsible for approximately one in ten traffic accidents, and intoxicated drivers contribute to between a quarter and a third of all fatal crashes. This data reinforces the necessity of continued public awareness campaigns and strict enforcement of existing laws to protect road users.
Looking ahead, officials expect similar operations to continue in the coming months, particularly during peak travel periods such as summer holidays. Additionally, there may be increased collaboration between traffic police and immigration authorities to address cases where vehicles are used for unauthorized activities. The outcomes of the current investigation into the smuggling case will likely shape future strategies regarding border control and the prevention of illegal migration through vehicular means.
3 reports
VečerIndependent🔒CenterFactual 95Objective 9013 days ago On weekdays more than 11,000 drivers checked, 294 under the influence of alcohol or drugsIn the week of June 15–21, 2026, police across Slovenia conducted over 11,000 checks as part of the national prevention campaign 'Varno brez alkohola in drog' coordinated by the Public Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for Road Safety. Of these, 9,705 drivers were tested for alcohol using an alco-test, and 1,025 were tested for drugs with rapid tests. The results showed that 258 drivers were under the influence of alcohol and 36 under the influence of drugs. As a result, 12 individuals were detained and 217 driving licenses were temporarily revoked. Police emphasized that driving under the influence remains a major cause of severe traffic accidents, with alcohol being responsible for approximately one in ten traffic accidents and between a quarter and a third of fatal crashes.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data from a national safety campaign, including statistics on alcohol and drug-related driving offenses, enforcement actions taken by police, and quotes from authorities emphasizing the dangers of impaired driving. There is no evident ideological framing, loaded language
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 90): The article presents clear and verifiable data from the national campaign, including the number of checks, alcohol and drug violations, and consequences. It cites the coordinating agency and includes statistical context. The tone remains neutral and factual.
Maribor24IndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8015 days ago Movie getaway in a van with Maribor license plates: The driver suddenly jumped out of the vehicle and fled on footIn the evening of Friday, police from the Koper Police Department stopped a Mercedes Vito van registered in Maribor on the route between Vogljani and Kreplje. The driver initially did not stop but suddenly halted his vehicle in the middle of the road and fled on foot. The police discovered six Turkish citizens inside the van who did not meet the requirements for entry into Slovenia. The driver was identified as a 58-year-old citizen of Moldova. Additionally, a 32-year-old Ukrainian citizen driving a Ford Focus with Ljubljana registration was stopped for assisting in the transportation of undocumented migrants. Both individuals were taken into custody and brought before a judicial officer in Koper, who ordered their detention.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a law enforcement operation involving undocumented migration, which is a politically sensitive issue. However, the report is factual, balanced, and does not exhibit clear bias through language, sourcing, or emphasis. It provides information about both the suspects and the law-
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): The article provides specific details about the incident including the time, location, and actions taken by police. It mentions the nationalities of those involved and the outcome. However, some details like 'tujca sta bila' may be ambiguous without more context. The information aligns with the cros
STA – Slovenska tiskovna agencijaState / PublicCenterFactual 70Objective 7513 days ago 12 drivers arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugsTwelve drivers were detained by police in Slovenia due to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The incident highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to enforce traffic laws related to impaired driving. Such actions are part of routine law enforcement activities aimed at ensuring road safety. Detained individuals typically face legal consequences including fines, license suspension, or other penalties depending on the severity of the offense.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a standard law enforcement action with no evident ideological framing. It does not take a stance on drug or alcohol policies, nor does it emphasize any particular political perspective. The focus is purely on the event itself and the enforcement of existing laws.
Why these scores (Factual 70 · Objective 75): The article is brief but lacks detailed statistics or context compared to the others. It confirms the main facts but omits specifics like the number of checks or outcomes. The neutrality is maintained but limited due to brevity.
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