Police launch immigration raids in huge road safety operation as driver attempts to flee drug arrest

Essex Police has launched a fresh operation against motorists committing driving offences across the county to keep roads safe.

During the latest crackdown, 28 drivers were arrested and 19 vehicles were seized in Chelmsford and Brentwood.

Officers from Roads Policing, the Operational Support Group (OSG) and Intelligence collaborated to crack down on motorists breaking road rules.

This was done using "proactive" stops and the use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.

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The most high-profile incident saw a driver pulled over in Brentwood after officers caught the man not wearing his seatbelt.

This led to the discovery of 20 wraps of cocaine, prompting the man to run from officers and get back in his car before he was tasered.

He was finally restrained and handcuffed, at which point, a search in custody discovered Class A drugs in his pants.

In total, 153 vehicles were stopped, including cars, motorbikes and mopeds, while 19 cars and one electric bike were seized.

A further 48 tickets were issued for traffic offences, while 15 people were arrested for drug-driving, two failed to provide a specimen and one for drink-driving.

Sergeant Dean Young, who leads the operation, said: "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."

He added that the force was helping keep Essex safe by arresting "irresponsible drivers, seizing vehicles and cracking down on traffic offences".

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The police highlighted how road safety and tackling potential exploitation were a central part of its operation.

Officers from Essex Police started the operation in partnership with the Home Office amid concerns about the gig economy.

The operation also saw 88 immigration checks carried out on delivery drivers and other people working in the sector.

As part of this, 11 arrests were made for immigration offences, including seven who overstayed in the UK.

Sergeant Young continued, saying: "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."

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