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A suspected drug driver has been arrested during a road traffic operation in Ramsgate by the Kent Special Constabulary and police cadets.

On Saturday 24 January 2026, a total of 81 vehicles were stopped and checked by local officers roadworthiness and driven in accordance with the law which resulted in 49 of the drivers either being given words of advice or receiving enforcement action. 

A 35 year old man from Ashford was arrested on suspicion of drug-driving and driving with a tyre below the legal tread level.  A search of the vehicle uncovered a small quantity of cannabis which was seized by officers for destruction. He has since been bailed following further enquiries.

Officers and Police Cadets monitored the traffic in Newington Road near the junction with Manston Road, following concerns reported by residents and a number of traffic offences were found by officers, including not wearing a seat belt correctly, number plate offences and issues with documentation. A car was found to have a severely damaged tyre which required immediate repairs and its owner was given a traffic offence report and warned about the risks of driving the car in that state. A car and two e-scooters were seized as each were found to be used uninsured.

Inspector James Johnston of the Kent Special Constabulary said:

‘The majority of vehicles stopped were selected at random and almost 60 percent of those vehicles stopped were found to have issues. It is a good reminder to all drivers to carry out regular checks on their vehicles to ensure they are road-worthy and legal. Don’t wait to be stopped by a police officer because if they find the offence, you risk a fine, an arrest, points on your licence or even a court appearance. ‘Safety is the responsibility of all road users.’