Why it matters: The operation aimed to disrupt criminal activity and improve road safety by targeting both organised crime groups and dangerous drivers using Suffolk's roads.
The details: The operation was carried out on Friday, 6 December, at the Copdock truck stop. Police made nine arrests, including:
Six for drug-driving
Two for immigration offences
One wanted person failing to appear at court
Police stopped 105 vehicles, with only 24 leaving without any offences recorded
Officers issued more than 170 Traffic Offence Reports
By the numbers: 80 Traffic Offence Reports issued at the check site for:
15 overweight vehicles
15 tinted windows
9 number plate offences
7 illegal tyres
7 not wearing a seatbelt
91 additional speeding offences detected in surrounding areas
£45,000 fine issued by Immigration Enforcement
What they're saying: Sergeant Alex Kelly of the Roads and Armed Policing Team called it "a highly productive day of action" and noted that "six [arrests] were for drug-driving – coming during the first week of our Christmas drink and drug driving campaign."
Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said: "Why any road user thinks it is acceptable to take drugs and drive is completely beyond the comprehension of any normal law-abiding person."
Between the lines: The operation involved multiple agencies working together, including:
Police units: Joint Roads and Armed Policing Team, Road Casualty Reduction Team, Commercial Vehicle Unit, Police Dog Unit
Government agencies: Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency, HM Revenue & Customs, Home Office Immigration Enforcement
Local authorities: Babergh District Council, Suffolk County Council Trading Standards, Ipswich Borough Council Taxi Licensing
The bottom line: The operation revealed significant road safety concerns in the Ipswich area, with more than three-quarters of checked vehicles found to have offences ranging from minor infractions to serious safety violations.
