SINGAPORE - The Traffic Police arrested 16 motorists for drink-driving on Wednesday, in an island-wide operation conducted in the early hours of the morning.

The 16 individuals - 14 men and two women aged between 29 and 48 - were among 45 drivers tested for alcohol consumption at various road blocks.

The highest Breath Evidential Analyser (BEA) test result was 80 micrograms (mcg) of alcohol per 100 ml of breath, which was over two times the legal limit of 35 mcg.

Drink drivers, upon conviction, will be disqualified from driving for at least a year and lose their driving licences. They will have to retake and pass the theory and practical driving tests to obtain their licences again.

First-time offenders can also be fined between $1,000 and $5,000 and have their driving licences disqualified for one to four years, depending on their BEA test results. Repeat offenders face a fine of up to $30,000 and a mandatory jail term of up to three years. They may also be caned up to six strokes should death or serious injury be caused.