Drugs crackdown targets vehicles

A joint operation to crack down on drug smugglers targeted vehicles travelling around Middlesbrough.

Police and representatives from VOSA (Vehicle Operators Services Agency) took part in Operation Odessa in the town on Thursday.

Fifty-four vehicles were checked and 12 fixed penalty notices issued.

Three men were arrested on suspicion of being in possession of controlled drugs and one caution for possession of cannabis was issued.

Five vehicles were seized under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act, and four prohibition notices were issued by VOSA.

A police spokeswoman said the operation was suspended early as a result of bad road and weather conditions.