DMPD reveals results of ‘Operation 4/20’ special traffic enforcement project

DES MOINES, Iowa — The results of a traffic safety effort in Des Moines over the weekend, focusing on catching impaired drivers, have been released.

Multiple law enforcement agencies participated in “Operation 4/20” on Saturday, April 20. The day, 4/20, is an unofficial holiday for users of marijuana. Iowa law prohibits the recreational use of marijuana.

The special enforcement effort was sponsored by the Central Iowa Traffic Safety Task Force.

Sgt. Paul Parizek with the Des Moines Police Department said 147 traffic stops were conducted during a six-hour window on Saturday. Four OWI arrests were made, one marijuana-related, two narcotics-related, and one alcohol-related.

The 24 officers positioned around Des Moines issued 149 traffic violation citations and 100 traffic violation warnings.

One excessive speed violation was issued to a driver for going 105 mph on I-235, and six other drivers received excessive speed violations for going 90 mph or greater on I-235.

The agencies that assisted DMPD in Operation 4/20 were Iowa State Patrol, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Ankeny Police Department, Johnston Police Department, Mitchellville Police Department, Pleasant Hill Police Department, State Center Police Department, and Urbandale Police Department.

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