Police carried out 9,000 breath tests and 190 drug wipes over a month-long period, as part of a major drink and drug driving campaign.
Led by Dyfed Powys Police, the All Wales Campaign was in operation between June 10 and July 10.
In total, the national crackdown provided 306 positive, refused, or failed to provide breath tests out of 9,532. Of 199 roadside drugs tests, 131 showed positive.
Locally, Gwent Police carried out 1004 breath tests, with 51 testing positive, refusing, or failing to provide. Over half of the administered drug wipes – 39 from 65 – also returned positive.
Gwent Police Inspector Huw Jones said: “With the drug driving law and swab kits we now have an increased ability to catch drivers breaking the law and as a result make our roads safer. However it’s disappointing to see that, with both drink and drugs, people are still taking such risks behind the wheel.
“Our officers will continue to patrol the roads in Gwent on a daily basis and take positive action against offenders to make our roads safer for everyone.”
Drink and drug driving is classified as one of the ‘fatal five’ offences – those which can lead to death or serious injuries on roads – along with careless driving, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, and driving while on a mobile phone.
Chair of Road Safety Wales, Susan Storch, added: “We were clear in our messages throughout the campaign that drink or drug driving is not acceptable, and will not be tolerated. The police services also made effective use of the new legislation under Section 5a and made some significant arrests during the campaign period.
“Those that selfishly break the law are endangering themselves and, more importantly, other road users. Drink and drug driving ruins lives all year round and we will continue to work closely with the police in reinforcing these messages throughout the year.”
Anyone with information about people drinking and driving can call Gwent Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.