A local man and woman have been arrested on suspicion of multiple offences following a traffic stop at the weekend.

At around 2pm on Saturday afternoon (18 Jan), officers were driving a patrol car along Queensway when they noticed a strong smell of cannabis coming from the car in front of them. 

The vehicle was signalled to stop and prior to being searched, the driver handed over cannabis resin. The local man, 35, was arrested on suspicion of Possession of a Controlled Class B Drug. 

A road side drug test then gave a positive reading, resulting in the man being further arrested on suspicion of Driving when under the Influence of Drugs. 

Due to the strong smell of cannabis within the car and concerns for two young children sitting in the car being exposed to the drug, the man and a local woman sitting in the passenger seat, 35, were both arrested on suspicion of Cruelty to Young Persons. 

In relation to their arrests, a residence was searched and officers seized Class A Drugs (cocaine) and a large amount of Class B Drugs (cannabis) from within, which were easily accessible to children in the residence. 

As a result, the man and the woman were further arrested on suspicion of Possession of a Controlled Class A Drug, Possession with Intent to Supply a Controlled Class B Drug and another count of Cruelty to Young Persons. 

At New Mole House, in relation to Driving When Under the Influence of Drugs, the man refused to provide a sample of blood and was further arrested for Failing to Provide a Specimen. In addition, he was also arrested on suspicion of Smoking in a Motor Vehicle with Children, an outstanding warrant of arrest for Failing to Pay a Fine and not having a valid Motor Vehicle Test. 

Following interviews, both the man and woman were bailed whilst officers continue their investigations.