A man has been arrested on suspicion of drug driving after 22 vehicles were stopped on the motorway by police.
Specialist officers from West Mercia Police were deployed as part of a multi-agency operation based at Hopwood Services on the M42.
The operation was aimed at tackling rural crime including plant theft, waste offences, and vehicle-based criminal activity.
ACTION: A suspected drug driver was among those stopped at Hopwood Services on the M42 by West Mercia Police and other partners (Image: West Mercia Police)
The operation took place on Friday, July 24, and was part of Op Cayenne, a targeted initiative focusing on vehicles travelling to and from Worcestershire.
Inspector Billy Keys from West Mercia’s Prevention Hub South said: “Friday’s operation saw some pleasing results in our efforts to tackle rural and waste crime as well as checking commercial vehicles, working with our partner agencies.
“We did not identify any such individuals or groups on this occasion, but we will return to other locations soon and continue with our efforts to tackle and disrupt their criminal enterprises.”
The operation involved the use of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) to identify vehicles linked to organised crime and also addressed national road policing priorities such as uninsured and untaxed vehicles.
STOPS: Officers at the M42 Hopwood Services after 22 vehicles were stopped for Op Cayenne (Image: West Mercia Police)
Supporting the rural crime team were officers from the Safer Neighbourhood Team, roads policing units, and motorcycle officers.
Partner agencies included Worcestershire Regulatory Services, Trading Standards, HMRC, and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
These agencies targeted waste offences, rogue traders, commercial vehicle compliance, and potential revenue and wage violations.
West Mercia’s Rural and Business Crime Officers also visited farms affected by fly-tipping to liaise with landowners and offer crime prevention advice.
Elsewhere, a We Don’t Buy Crime co-ordinator engaged with members of the public at Beckett’s Farm in Wythall to share tips on personal safety, SmartWater, and home security.
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Results from the day included 22 vehicles stopped and three seized due to being uninsured, untaxed, or unroadworthy.
A 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and later released under investigation.
Multiple traffic offence report tickets were issued and drivers were given advice on vehicle safety.
Worcestershire Regulatory Services and Trading Standards will be following up 12 issues with regards to waste carrier licences and waste transfer notice matters.
HMRC’s National Minimal Wage Team will be following up two cases.
Insp Keys said: “We based ourselves at Hopwood Services as such offenders use the M42 network to commit crime in parts of Worcestershire, often from organised groups based in the West Midlands.
“A man was arrested for drug driving, three unroadworthy and illegal vehicles were seized, and multiple traffic offences were reported, further protecting road users in this area while our partners also identified potential offences they are now investigating.”
