Oregon Country Fair Attracts Law Enforcement DUII Saturation

Agencies were in full force for this "High Visibility DUII Saturation Event"

Marijuana consumption at the Oregon Country Fair is not typical fare, a fact perhaps unbeknownst to law enforcement. Photo: OCF

(SALEM, Ore.) - Law Enforcement Officers were in out full force in the Eugene/Veneta area last weekend, cracking down on impaired drivers. Today they reported the results of their DUII saturation event, compelled by the annual Oregon Country Fair.

The Oregon State Police (OSP) along with Lane County Sheriff's Office, Springfield Police Department, and Eugene Police Department, were on the job, with the assistance of Lane County District Attorneys.

When it was all finished, a total of fourteen (14) drivers were arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) during the Country Fair's weekend.

Half of those (7) arrested for DUII were under the influence of Marijuana. The remaining seven arrests were for alcohol.

The participating officers focused on extra patrol in Veneta and surrounding towns only. This included Veneta, Elmira, Noti, and Loraine.

Arrests from the surrounding areas were also made for:
Possession of Methamphetamine (2 counts)
Possession of Cocaine
Arrest warrants (2 counts)

During the Event's saturation times (Friday, July 8th through Sunday, July 10th from 6 pm to 12 am each night), there were two reported crashes on 126W. One collision occurred within the saturation area. The second crash was approximately 10 miles west of the Oregon Country Fair's location.

Both crashes were fair related and the drivers were determined not impaired.