THREE men have been arrested on suspicion of drug supply after a stinger was used to stop a vehicle off the A361 near Frome.
The arrests come after a coordinated five-day Avon and Somerset Police operation targeting dangerous road users and illegal driving.
A 25-year-old man suspected of being intoxicated, was followed into a car park by an unmarked vehicle just off the A361 on Thursday, November 14. He was arrested at the scene after testing positive on a drug wipe and was identified as a disqualified driver.
Police also said he was wanted for seven outstanding theft offences, eight outstanding Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) breaches and one outstanding assault offence. He was remanded into custody.
His two passengers ran off but were seen getting into another car later on the same day. Pursued by an unmarked vehicle, the front passenger threw a black item into some bushes at the side of the carriageway. Returning to the scene, officers recovered a container holding 25 snap bags of white powder, suspected to be class A drugs.
A stinger soon brought the suspicious vehicle to a stop. All three individuals were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. The 45-year-old driver also tested positive for cocaine and officers seized a large quantity of cash from the footwell of the car. The men have been conditionally bailed while an investigation is underway.
Avon and Somerset Police’s roads policing officers combined efforts with neighbourhood policing teams to crack down on dangerous road users and illegal driving from November 11-15. The results from across the county are as follows:
- 14 arrests (for multiple offences: e.g. drug-driving, concerned in the supply of class A drugs, disqualified driving, vehicle theft, prison recall, warrants, Criminal Behaviour Order breaches)
- 23 uninsured drivers caught + 18 vehicles seized
- 521 speeding offences, two of which were 61mph in a 30mph zone
- 48 speeding detections from an unmarked Road Safety Enforcement Van
- 4 illegal number plates
- 4 mobile phone offences
- 3 seatbelt offences
- 1 vehicle without tax
- 1 insecure load made safe
Each day focused on a different areas:
- 11 November – Avonmouth, Portishead, Clevedon
- 12 November – Airport and the A38 corridor
- 13 November – Exmoor: Wellington, Milverton, Wiveliscombe and Minehead
- 14 November – Frome
- 15 November – Bath
Uninsured drivers cause more collisions and are often linked to secondary offences such as hit-and-run collisions, drink- and drug-driving, and being involved in criminal networks, the police say.
For this reason, Avon and Somerset Police warn its dedicated roads officers will continue to deal with insurance offences robustly to improve road safety and protect communities.
Inspector Matt Boiles, of Avon and Somerset Police’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “Thanks to the support of all teams involved, we took many dangerous drivers off our roads in November.
“The results clearly show the huge risks some individuals are taking while behind the wheel. We’re determined to clamp down on these dangerous and unacceptable behaviours, and continue to do so every day, to protect other road users and pedestrians from harm.”