Snow wasn’t the only thing covering the landscape when Danish police arrested a 45-year-old truck driver early Friday morning. The man, who had been clearing snow in southern Zealand, was found asleep in his 42-ton vehicle at a rest stop near Præstø with the engine running. Authorities say concerned citizens tipped them off after noticing signs he might be impaired.
Police from Tungvognscenter Øst—the Eastern Heavy Vehicle Unit—responded and tested the driver. The test came back positive for cocaine, and officers also discovered a small amount of the drug inside the cab. Vice Police Inspector Thomas Hartmann, who leads the unit, emphasized how dangerous it is to operate such a massive vehicle under the influence. "With a snowplow attached, this becomes an especially hazardous machine on the roads," he said.
The driver admitted to driving under the influence of narcotics and provided a blood sample before being released. Hartmann thanked the public for their vigilance, noting that community tips played a crucial role in stopping what could have been a serious incident. As winter weather continues across Denmark, this case underscores the importance of road safety and responsible reporting within Danish society.