Düsseldorf Police Conduct Sweeping Traffic Checks, Arrest Woman on Deportation Order

Operation targets impaired driving and traveling criminal groups, highlighting shift towards proactive policing and use of technology

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Düsseldorf police carried out a large-scale traffic control operation in the Lierenfeld neighborhood on February 26, 2026, resulting in numerous violations and the arrest of a woman on an outstanding deportation order. The operation focused on detecting drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as identifying and apprehending traveling criminal groups, and uncovered various vehicle safety issues.

Why it matters

The Lierenfeld operation reflects a broader trend towards more proactive policing in North Rhine-Westphalia, with a focus on both traffic safety and the detection of mobile criminal groups. It highlights the growing use of technology, data sharing, and collaborative efforts between police forces to target these issues.

The details

Police administered breathalyzer and drug tests to 81 vehicles and 105 individuals, finding ten drivers impaired by drugs and issuing blood tests. Ten additional drivers were found to be driving under the influence of alcohol or without a valid license. The operation also led to the interception of a vehicle from Nuremberg carrying a 19-year-old man and two Serbian women, aged 26 and 28, who were identified as known 'traveling criminals.' The vehicle contained burglary tools, including 'flippers' for opening doors, large screwdrivers, and balaclavas. Three vehicles were also impounded due to technical defects.

  • The operation ran from 12:00 to 16:30 on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

The players

Herbert Reul

The Interior Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, who visited the control point and emphasized the ongoing challenge of drug-impaired driving.

Düsseldorf Police

The law enforcement agency that conducted the large-scale traffic control operation in Lierenfeld.

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What they’re saying

“Drogen im Straßenverkehr sind und bleiben ein Problem [Drugs in traffic remain a problem].”

— Herbert Reul, Interior Minister (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the 19-year-old man and two Serbian women arrested on suspicion of being 'traveling criminals' to be released on bail.

The takeaway

The Düsseldorf operation highlights the growing emphasis on proactive policing, the use of advanced technology, and cross-border collaboration to address issues of impaired driving and mobile criminal groups. It suggests that traffic enforcement is becoming increasingly sophisticated, with a focus on prevention and targeted interventions.