Multiple arrests have been made following a force operation to target drink and drug driving in Selsey.
Operation Harp is a Sussex Police proactive planned response with the aim of identifying and arresting persons involved in drugs supply and possession, acquisitive crime and motoring offences.
Officers from the Specialist Enforcement Team (SEU) and Chichester’s Neighbourhood Police Team carried out the operation on 21 December.
Three people were arrested on the evening:
- An 18-year-old man from Selsey on suspicion of possession of a class B drug and drug-driving.
- A 17-year-old boy from Selsey on suspicion of drug-driving.
- A 22-year-old man from Westbourne on suspicion of failing to stop, dangerous driving, driving without a licence and driving without insurance.
All three have been released on bail, pending further investigation.
Several positive engagements and warnings were carried out, as well as some drivers receiving a Traffic Offence Report, a Home Office Road Traffic Report and a Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme for no MOT.
The most recent operation was executed in December and at the same time, Operation Limit was taking place, which was a force scheme to tackle drink and drug driving across Sussex during the Christmas period.
Inspector Damian Merrifield said: “This operation is hugely important to take some strain off the health service and we can catch those who aren’t in control of their vehicle due to the misuse of drink or drugs.
“We have seen the results of Op Limit, and the increase of drink and drug driving during Christmas. Op Harp is that extra response to prevent anti-social and criminal use of the roads.
“Our teams work extremely hard to make sure the residents of Selsey are safe and this is positive action against those who are prepared to use the roads illegally.”
