Drugs with an estimated street value of £100,000 seized as part of road safety operation
Three vehicles have been seized and four people arrested during an operation targeting drivers ignoring road traffic laws.
On Wednesday 17 July 2024, Dorset Police carried out a proactive operation as part of Op Spotlight – a national initiative run by the National Police Chiefs Council, which aims to reduce the number of collisions and casualties on the roads by targeting inconsiderate and dangerous driving.
During the operation, which ran from 9am until 2pm, officers seized three vehicles and made four arrests. Offences discovered by officers included:
- Six motorists driving without insurance
- Three drivers using a mobile phone at the wheel
- Four drivers in violation of tachograph regulations
- One driver not wearing a seatbelt
- Six overweight vehicles
- Six vehicles being driven with insecure loads
- Nine motorists identified committing ‘construction and use’ offences, such as bald tyres or driving a vehicle without an MOT
- Two motorists arrested for driving under the influence of drugs
- One passenger in possession of drugs with intent to supply
- One driver arrested for immigration offences - officers also discovered the driver didn’t have a valid driving licence or insurance.
Sergeant David Cotterill of the Roads Policing Team at Dorset Police said: “Operation Spotlight was designed to communicate the importance of road safety and enforce road traffic legislation where necessary and appropriate.
“Our roads are busier in the summer due to visitors to our county for holidays and days out, plus an increase in vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders, so this is all the more reason to drive safely and be more vigilant.
“As part of this targeted operation, our officers identified a drug driver who was also found to be in possession of drugs with intent to supply. Following a stop-check and search of premises, we seized cash and drugs with an estimated street value of £100,000.
“We hope that these results reiterate the importance of roads policing to our communities, and reassures people living and working in Dorset that we’re committed to removing criminals and dangerous drivers from our roads.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “I am pleased by the positive results officers achieved during this operation.
“I want to be clear; criminals and those who are a danger behind the wheel will be removed from Dorset’s roads.
“Those who make selfish decisions in control of a vehicle or who use a vehicle to commit crimes will be targeted and punished.
“I know Dorset Police work hard, day in and day out to reduce the risk we all face on the roads, and I want to send a clear message to those who commit dangerous behaviour that we will not tolerate their reckless conduct in our county.”
Officers from the Roads Policing Team will be continuing to carry out targeted operations across Dorset throughout the summer.
For Road Safety advice, visit the dedicated page on the Force website: https://www.dorset.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/
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