A drunk driver nearly five times over the legal limit crashed into a rock wall in the Kawarau Gorge on Friday night.

Cromwell Police were called to a crash around 10pm where the crashed vehicle completely blocked the east bound lane.

A subsequent breath test for alcohol recorded a result nearly five times the legal limit.

Police would like to thank members of the public who pulled over to assist the driver and kept the road safe until police were on scene.

Police would also like to speak with any witnesses to the vehicle crash. They can contact police on 105 – using file 250614/6430 as a reference.

The driver of the vehicle has been charged and will appear in the Alexandra District Court on June 19. 

Earlier last week police were also called to a Ranfurly address where cannabis was detected and a search of the property invoked.

A sawn off .22 rifle which had been converted to a pistol was located, as well as ammunition, a mature cannabis plant, dried cannabis plant material, drug paraphernalia, LSD and a quantity of cash.

A male would be appearing in the Alexandra District Court on July 23, charged with unlawfully possessing a pistol, unlawfully possessing a firearm, possession of LSD, possession for supply of cannabis, cultivating cannabis and possession of utensils.

On June 15 at about 4:30pm a male was stopped near Ranfurly traveling at over 1.5 times the posted speed limit. 

The male’s drivers licence was suspended and he was summoned to appear in the Alexandra District Court on July 17, charged with driving at a dangerous speed.

At about 6pm the same day another male was stopped near Ranfurly traveling at a similar speed. 

The male’s drivers licence was suspended and he was summoned to appear in the Alexandra District Court on July 17, facing a charge of driving at a dangerous speed.

“We see too many preventable deaths on our roads, and we make no apology for targeting these high-risk driving behaviours including restraints, impairment, distractions, and speed (RIDS),” Sergeant Adam Elder said.

“We know these RIDS behaviours can make the difference for if you are involved in a crash, and if that crash leads to permanent and often tragic consequences.

“Our aim is to prevent tragic consequences on our roads, not to issue the most infringements.

“Your speed, state of mind and manner of driving really make a difference, especially at this time of year when black ice forms and fog can often stretch the open roads.”