Law Enforcement Headquarters in Harz:
On August 17, 2025, a 38-year-old driver was stopped by the police in the Straße der Opfer des Faschismus. The encounter came after a fire broke out near the district road between Westerhausen and Harsleben, Germany, around 4:30 AM on August 18.
Upon inspection, the officers noticed physical peculiarities that suggested possible drug consumption. The man was unable to present a valid driver’s license, leading the police to initiate investigations for driving without a required license and driving under the influence of intoxicants.
A drug test conducted on the spot reacted positively for amphetamine. The officers ordered a blood sample to be taken from the driver for further analysis. The man admitted to drug consumption upon questioning.
The fire, which occurred in a small woodland area of approximately 750 square meters, was quickly contained and extinguished by the fire department. No persons were injured during the incident.
The Harz Police Department is urging against driving under the influence of drugs and other intoxicating substances. Drug consumption can significantly impair perception and reaction ability and often lead to misjudgments of traffic situations or loss of control over the vehicle.
The investigation against the 38-year-old driver is being conducted by the responsible local police authority or the respective criminal investigation department. Generally, such cases are handled by the local police or traffic enforcement departments.
For further information about drugs in road traffic, please visit: Police Consultation on Drugs in Road Traffic
The Harz Police Department is also requesting any information regarding the cause of the fire. Contact can be made at 03941/674-293 or online via the electronic police station at: E-Revier
The police appeal to all road users to never get behind the wheel under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or other intoxicating substances in the interest of road safety. Anyone caught driving under the influence of drugs risks losing their driver's license and potential lapse of insurance coverage in case of an accident.
