Former Norwegian skiing star Petter Northug is still in big trouble after police caught him speeding and later found cocaine at his home in Oslo. Blood tests taken right after the speeding incident, however, showed he was not driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, so those charges have been dropped.
Northug, age 34, was clocked driving at a speed of 168 kilometers an hour on the E6 highway at Ullensaker on August 13. A test of his saliva at the scene was positive, leading to the DUI charges of driving under the influence. A subsequent blood test, however, was negative, and the Olympic gold medal winner and former World Champion was described by his attorney as being relieved.
He still faces speeding and drug charges, however, and a possible jail term. Northug has admitted to having a “serious” problem with drugs and alcohol and “is taking full responsibility for his actions,” his defense lawyer told state broadcaster NRK on Wednesday. He’s due to be called in for more police questioning soon.
newsinenglish.no staff
