With 5.5 permille in his blood, police stop aggressive driver in lane

Law enforcement officers in Latvia apprehended an aggressive driver who exhibited an extremely high blood alcohol content of 5.49 permille. Upon arriving at the scene, officers detected the severe intoxication of the man, born in 1985.

The State Police have initiated administrative proceedings against the individual for this offense. Medical guidelines from the World Health Organization indicate that a blood alcohol concentration exceeding 3.5 to 4.0 permille is potentially lethal for most adults.

A level of 5.5 permille is defined in medical practice as an extreme and toxic blockage of the brain and central nervous system. Such a level can lead to the cessation of vital life functions, including breathing, heart activity, and thermoregulation, or a complete loss of protective reflexes.

However, the fact that the man was still capable of functioning at this 5.5 permille level suggests a long-standing, chronic tolerance to alcohol built up over many years.