Overweight van stopped in Essex with 183 cannabis plants inside
The vehicle was stopped at junction 19 services on the A12
Police in Boreham stopped an overweight van and discovered 183 cannabis plants hidden inside multiple black bin bags.
The vehicle was halted at junction 19 services on the A12 after officers in north Essex noticed it carrying an excessive load on Wednesday 4 March.
Upon inspection, officers found equipment associated with cannabis cultivation alongside the plants.
Two men were arrested at the scene.
A 32-year-old from Greater Manchester was suspected of possession with intent to supply, driving without a licence, and driving without insurance.
A 29-year-old from West Yorkshire was suspected of possession with intent to supply.
Both men have been released on bail until 1st May while investigations continue.
Mr Adam Pipe, head of Essex Police’s Roads Policing Unit, said:
"Roads policing officers are uniquely positioned to disrupt criminality as they patrol our road network every day.
"Their role goes far beyond enforcing road-safety legislation; they routinely identify offenders involved in a wide range of crime.
"This cross-cutting approach means we will never turn a blind eye to criminal behaviour simply because it isn’t a road-safety matter.
"If you use our roads to commit crime, expect to be stopped."