The Traffic Police nabbed 17 motorists for drink-driving in an island-wide operation conducted in the early morning of Saturday.

A total of 16 men and one woman, aged between 25 and 59 were arrested with the highest Breath Evidential Analyser (BEA) test result recorded at 81 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, which is more than twice the prescribed legal limit of 35 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.

A total of 54 motorists were stopped and tested for alcohol consumption during the operation.

If convicted, motorists will lose their driving licences and have to retake their theory and practical driving tests to drive again. They will also be disqualified from driving for at least a year. First-time offenders can also be fined between $1,000 and $5,000. Repeat offenders may be punished with a maximum fine of $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.

Commander of Traffic Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police Cheang Keng Keong, said on Saturday that the Traffic Police will continue to conduct regular road block operations to deter and to detect drink drivers.

"Motorists who choose to drive after consuming alcohol will have to be prepared to face the consequences for their actions. Every one of us has a part to play in making our roads safe in Singapore. For our loved ones and for your own safety and the safety of other road users, I urge every motorist never to attempt to drive after consuming alcohol," he said.