By Nick Griffiths Crime Reporter

Last updated at 09:15, Saturday, 05 May 2012

Around 100 cars were stopped and drugs seized as an alliance of public bodies aimed to spot driving offences and catch criminals on the roads.

Jo Fawcett: ‘Operation is attempting to deal with a broad range of criminality’

Motorists were pulled over by police and other agencies as a large crackdown was launched across the city yesterday.

Officers were taking drivers and their vehicles to Charlotte Terrace, off Warwick Road, in an operation starting during the rush hour and carrying on into the afternoon.

A string of vehicles were given the once over as checks were made not only for motoring offences but also to see if drivers were wanted for – or had committed – other crimes.

Two people were arrested on suspicion of possessing cocaine worth up to £8,000 with intent to supply. Five cars were taken off the road - two for using red diesel, one for no insurance, one in relation to Proceeds of Crime and one for suspecting of being used in crime.

Police said several cars were given prohibition notices, including one with a chassis split ‘almost in half.’

Sergeant Jo Fawcett said: “Officers have been out all over the Carlisle area, bringing vehicles to the check site. The operation is attempting to deal with a broad range of criminality. Everything from driving offences to more serious matters.

“We have been looking at all documents and thoroughly checking all individuals.”

“We are proactively using our resources to target criminals to make Cumbria a safer place.”

Cumbria’s chief constable, Stuart Hyde, was also on hand at the check site and elsewhere during Operation Manhattan to watch what was going on.

He said he was pleased to see all the agencies working together.

“We’ve done several like this and I definitely want to see more of them,” he added.

Among these taking part was the Vehicle Operator Services Agency, which was looking at the hours lorry drivers had driven and the condition of vehicles.

The fire service was speaking to motorists about the effect rogue driving practices can have, such as using mobile phones and driving with no seatbelts.

HM Revenue and Customs were looking for vehicles using red diesel while the Department for Work and Pensions were seeking people suspected of working while claiming benefits.

Other agencies present including the Environment Agency, Trading Standards and officers dealing with immigration.

Police departments involved included roads officers, the force’s intelligence bureau, CID, the constabulary’s drugs section, officers based in north Cumbria and volunteer special constables.

First published at 08:58, Saturday, 05 May 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk