Medellín reinforces operations against drunk drivers amid worrying rise in incidents

Medellín is stepping up its efforts to combat drunk driving after a troubling rise in traffic incidents linked to alcohol consumption.

The city's Secretariat of Mobility has significantly increased its educational and enforcement operations. This strategy combines strict surveillance on the roads with public awareness campaigns, including the use of a character named 'Garrafael' as part of the 'Te Queremos Vivo' (We Want You Alive) initiative. The program aims to sensitize citizens to the severe human and legal consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or psychoactive substances.

Enforcement operations have seen a notable increase, with a 7% rise in controls compared to the same period in 2025. This has resulted in a significant reduction in positive breathalyzer tests, which decreased by nearly 30%, from 244 last year to 170 this year. However, authorities have raised alarms as traffic incidents associated with drunk driving have still climbed by 3.4%, from 205 cases in 2025 to 212 this year.

Pablo Ruiz, the Secretary of Mobility, emphasized that despite progress in detection, there is still a long way to go. He reiterated the severe legal, administrative, and potentially criminal penalties for offenders. Fines can exceed 21 million pesos, accompanied by license suspensions ranging from one to ten years, vehicle immobilization, and possible permanent license cancellation for repeat offenses.

In response to the ongoing challenge, the District Administration has pledged to continue strengthening controls in high-risk areas and at peak times to ensure road safety throughout Medellín.

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Driving under the influence of alcohol has serious legal, administrative, and even criminal consequences.