Drink driving is one of the primary causes of traffic collisions

Officers made the detections during a weekend operation.

The police said all of the 18 people who were caught reside in the Newry and Mourne area.

PSNI Inspector Sam Cordner said there appeared to be a myth in the Newry area that "it is okay to drink and drive and that you can somehow evade detection".

"Drivers need to wake up to the fact that drink driving puts lives at risk and will not be tolerated," he said.

"The figures for the weekend 10 - 12 December demonstrate that if you take a chance behind the wheel that there is a strong likelihood of being stopped, breath tested and arrested."

The minimum penalty for the offence is a 12-month disqualification from driving.

Drink driving was one of the primary causes of road traffic collisions and it was totally unacceptable that 18 people were still prepared to drink and drive, he said.

Police said they would continue to actively target drink-driving in the Newry area, particularly during the Christmas party season.

"If you drink and drive, you can be assured that we will catch you," said Inspector Cordner.

"We do not want to spoil anyone's fun, but if you are planning a night out then I appeal to you to make sure you can get home safely, either by using a taxi, public transport or by nominating a sober driver."