The driver, in Colchester, Essex, was pulled over having just been released from custody after failing a roadside drugs test – and went straight back to the police station after his re-arrest
Police couldn’t believe it when a drive was arrested for the second time (Image: Getty Images)
A man arrested on suspicion of drug-driving was hauled into a police station for a second time in one day after getting behind the wheel following his release from custody.
Police pulled over the driver in Colchester, Essex, and detained the culprit after he allegedly failed a roadside drugs test on Friday. The man was freed hours later, but officers were left gobsmacked when they caught him allegedly driving under the influence again soon after.
He was arrested for a second time when he again didn’t pass the test and was taken back to the police station. The force have launched a Safe Essex Safe Summer campaign, with road safety one of the key areas. Earlier that day, a driver and passenger were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
They then captured a motorist travelling at 103mph in a 40mph zone, posing a serious risk to other road users. They then arrested a motorist found with no driving documents whilst driving an unregistered vehicle.
Another driver was arrested while using an unregistered vehicle, having admitted to officers who pulled him over that he was “chancing his arm”.
But police were stunned after re-arresting the man they released from custody hours earlier.
Essex Police said: “A driver was arrested twice in just one day by Essex Police’s Road Safety Team after failing a roadside drug test, being arrested on suspicion of drug driving, released from custody, and then stopped again failing a second test.
“The arrest came during Operation Limit in the Colchester district on Friday 19 June, as officers carried out targeted enforcement to tackle drink and drug driving and reduce harm on Essex’s roads.
“Drug driving is illegal because it impairs your ability to drive safely and puts lives at risk: it impairs judgement, slows reactions and makes drivers unpredictable, with their poor decisions putting everyone on the road in danger. Officers regularly see drivers who believe they are in control, when their ability is badly affected.
“Road Safety Team officers say drug driving is completely unacceptable and puts lives at risk. Operations like Op Limit use intelligence-led patrols to target offenders, remove dangerous drivers from the roads, and disrupt wider criminality.
“Anyone who gets behind the wheel while impaired is endangering lives and we will do all we can to ensure they are caught.”
