Nine arrested in major police operation targeting unsafe drivers near Ipswich

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.