ipswich: A police crackdown on law-breaking drivers has picked up dozens of offences and seen five vehicles seized – including one which had crack cocaine, cannabis and a knife inside.

Police officers from Suffolk’s roads policing unit, automatic number plate recognition team and safer neighbourhood teams, were out in force in Princes Street and Portman Road on Friday night for Operation Busy.

They pulled cars over to check for unroadworthy vehicles, driving offences and to combat anti-social driving.

As well as detecting a number of driving offences, they arrested a 49-year-old man from Ipswich on suspicion of possession of crack cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply, and possession of an offensive weapon.

He was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning and has since been released on police bail, to return on January 11. A police spokesman labelled it a “successful operation”, saying: “More than 50 people were spoken to and offered advice on keeping vehicles roadworthy and safer driving.

“Vehicles were seized or prohibited from driving any further where they were found to be dangerous or used illegally.

“Anti-social vehicle use can cause great concern to local people and by working together with other agencies we can make drivers more aware of the consequences of their actions and ensure they stay safe on our roads.”

The results from the five-hour operation include:

n Five vehicles seized, including a silver Renault Megane which contained crack cocaine, cannabis, cash and a lock knife.

n 23 fixed penalty notices issued.

n 18 immediate prohibition notices issued, meaning the cars were found to have problems with their roadworthiness and cannot be driven until the faults are rectified.

n 13 delayed prohibition notices handed out, so cars can only be driven to a garage or for repair, until the faults are sorted out.

n 51 advisory notices given, to highlight problems with the car which need to be looked at.

n Two warnings issued for anti-social vehicle use which, if followed up with another warning, could lead to the cars being seized.

Customs officers were also there and found two cars using red diesel, which were both seized.

n Do you welcome the crackdown on driving offences in Ipswich? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or alternatively you can e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.