The latest deployments of an operation to tackle driving offences led to 28 arrests and 19 car seizures across evenings in Chelmsford and Brentwood.

Officers from Roads Policing, the Operational Support Group (OSG) and Intelligence worked together to intercept vehicles using proactive stops and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR).

In Brentwood, a driver being pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt led to the discovery of 20 wraps of cocaine. After being drug swiped, the driver attempted to run from officers and got back behind the wheel of his car before being tasered.

He continued to resist arrest before being restrained and handcuffed. A search in custody later revealed the Class A drugs concealed in his underwear.

There were also 15 arrests for drug driving, two for drivers failing to provide a specimen, and one for drink driving.

In total, 153 cars, motorbikes and mopeds were stopped, 19 cars were seized and 48 tickets were issued for traffic offences. The team also seized an e-bike.

Road safety and tackling potential exploitation in the gig economy have also been a central part of the operation since its inception in March, with officers working in partnership with the Home Office.

Eighty-eight immigration checks were carried out, and 11 arrests were made for immigration offences, seven of which were for overstaying in the country.

Sergeant Dean Young, who leads the operation, said:

“We’re helping to keep the roads of Essex safe by arresting irresponsible drivers, seizing vehicles and cracking down on traffic offences.

“We’ve seen routine stops lead to arrests on suspicion of more serious crimes, and we’ve continued to check delivery riders to make sure they are on the road legally, have the right to work and aren’t being taken advantage of.

“This work with the support of our partners from the Eastern Region Modern Slavery and Organised Immigration Crime Unit and the Home Office will continue.

“Anyone using the road network to commit crime, or driving when they shouldn’t, has been warned. Our team are out in towns across the county, and it won’t be long before we spot you and pull you over.”

With permissions https://essexpolicemedia.co.uk/