Man arrested after drugs were thrown from van during police pursuit

A man has been arrested after drugs were thrown from a van during a pursuit in the early hours of this morning (Monday 14 September).

Officers from the Roads Policing Unit were patrolling along the M5 at around 3am when they spotted a van which flagged up on police systems.

An officer activated their vehicle's lights and sirens in an attempt to pull the van over however the driver failed to stop and a pursuit ensued.

The pursuit took place along the M5 and saw the driver get off at junction 12 for Gloucester before suspected drugs were thrown from the van.

The driver eventually pulled over in the Quedgeley area before getting out of the vehicle and running away. A short foot chase took place and the man was detained nearby.

Officers searched in the area and discarded bags of drugs were found along the route that had been taken during the pursuit.

The man's van was also searched and a large quantity of drugs and bank notes were also found.

A 20-year-old man from Emersons Green in South Gloucestershire was subsequently arrested on suspicion of the following offences and remains in police custody for questioning at this time:

• Dangerous driving;
• Failing to stop for police;
• Possession with intent to supply class A drugs;
• Possession of an offensive weapon in a public place;
• Driving without third party insurance;
• Driving without a licence;
• Driving a vehicle when above the legal drug limit.

Anyone who has concerns or intelligence about drug dealing can report this to police via the following link: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/soh/seen-or-heard/ 

Alternatively you can report information anonymously through the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting their website: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously