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An arrest of a suspected drug-driver during a fly-tipping operation was among the positive results achieved by Kent Police’s Rural Task Force in July.
Officers were carrying out enforcement activity alongside Maidstone Borough Council’s waste crime team when they stopped a van on Wierton Hill, Boughton Monchelsea.
The vehicle sped off after being approached but was pursued and stopped a short distance away.
Drugs
A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being unfit to drive through drugs, failing to stop for police and dangerous driving, and was later released from custody pending further enquiries.
32 wildlife incidents
The motorist was among a total of seven people arrested in July by officers from the Rural Task Force, who also investigated 26 reports of poaching, four reports of livestock worrying and 32 wildlife incidents.
Five horses were also brought to safety after straying onto the highway, and five cars were seized by the team.
Criminality
Sergeant Darren Walshaw of the Rural Task Force said: ‘We regularly team up with our partners to tackle issues that cause great harm to rural communities including fly-tipping, which is often linked to other forms of criminality.
‘Drink and drug-driving is one of the factors proven to contribute to large numbers of deaths and serious injuries on our roads, and we will not hesitate to support our roads policing colleagues by taking action against those suspected to be putting themselves and other road-users at risk.
‘July was another busy month for the Rural Task Force and we continue to work closely with our partners, landowners and others members of the community to address the issues that affect the rural way of life.’