Police Dog Sniffs Out Drug-Driver on the Run in Chichester
A determined police dog helped nab a drug-driver who ditched his car and tried to make a getaway on foot in Chichester.
Speedy Getaway Ends with Canine Capture
Eduart Ruci sped off in St Pancras when he spotted a marked Roads Policing Unit (RPU) car on April 1. Police soon found his abandoned vehicle in Tozer Way just after 11.30pm, but Ruci had vanished on foot.
Enter PD Billy, a sharp-nosed German Shepherd, who tracked Ruci to a nearby street. The 39-year-old initially claimed he’d been “at the pub” and then insisted he was only a passenger.
Heavy on Cocaine, Light on Excuses
A roadside DrugWipe test flagged up cocaine in Ruci’s system. Police discovered the vehicle and insurance were both registered in his name.
After PD Billy held him, PC Steve Bucksey slapped the cuffs on Ruci for suspected drug-driving.
Blood tests revealed a shocking 337 microgrammes of cocaine per litre—over six times the legal limit of 50mcg.
Builder Banned and Fined After Court Showdown
The builder from Whiston Road, Hackney, faced Brighton Magistrates’ Court on October 18. He admitted drug-driving and got a three-year driving ban, fined £700 plus £70 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.
PC Bucksey said: “Drug-driving is one of the major causes of people being killed or injured on our roads each year. This case shows that, with the help of PD Billy, we’re serious about catching offenders and keeping our roads safe. Ruci risked his life and others’ that night in Chichester. We’re glad he’s now off the road.”
Concerned about bad driving? Report it by phone, email, or via the Operation Crackdown website. Providing a full registration number helps police target offenders. “We can’t be everywhere, but we could be anywhere,” said PC Bucksey.
