Gardaí have unveiled one of the newest additions to their fleet, a high-powered Volkswagen Golf previously seized in a drugs bust, which will be used for road safety education and will debut at this weekend's Donegal Rally.
The 2016 Volkswagen Golf featuring a 2.0-litre engine, 295 bhp and four-wheel drive was seized during an operation that uncovered large volumes of illegal drugs and unexplained cash destined to "cause harm in our society", gardaí said.
Gardaí revealed the car on Thursday following the ceremonial start and drivers' briefing for the 2024 Donegal Rally, filming promotional content of the car in action on the famous Knockalla Hill climb. The initiative is part of Operation Nexus, a project by An Garda Síochána to support and improve An Garda Síochána engagement with car/ motoring Enthusiasts with the aim of improving road safety and reducing road deaths.
“Cars bring great enjoyment and freedom to live our lives,” An Garda Siochana said. “For safety reasons, there are regulations about what level of modifications can be made to cars beyond factory specifications, so An Garda Síochána is opening engagement with car enthusiasts, in particular young male drivers.
“An Garda Síochána will carry out modifications to this car and we are looking for suggestions, as to what to do! Any work carried out will be within legal limits.
“In carrying out the modifications, An Garda Síochána will provide information on the modifications and what are the legal considerations. These information notes will be published on the Operation NEXUS webpage on the Garda website and can be accessed by scanning interactive QR codes on the car with any smartphone.”
The Donegal Rally roars into action today, Friday, kicking off three days of competition with car enthusiast travelling from far and wide to attend this weekend.
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