PARIS — The Oxford County Sheriff’s Office will begin extra patrols this weekend looking for drivers operating under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

According to a release from the department, the sheriff’s office has received a grant from Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, which will cover roadblocks and saturation patrols. Dep. George Cayer said Oxford County has a high rate of operating under the influence, with more then 500 OUI arrests over the last five years.

“We intend to target all operators who commit driving errors during high alcohol involvement hours on holidays, weekend nights and during our roadblock details,” Cayer said in the release. There will be announcements as to when the department will set up safety checkpoints and roadblocks, which will continue into January, the release said.

“We want to help ensure safe passage on our roadways throughout this holiday season,” Cayer said.