Large cannabis haul seized following proactive stop in Stevenage

A 55-year-old man was arrested after drugs were discovered in a vehicle during a proactive stop by officers in Stevenage.

On Thursday 20 July officers from the Mobile Support Team were alerted that a van suspected of being linked to drug dealing had been detected by ANPR cameras entering Hertfordshire. The van was stopped travelling on the A1(M) at Stevenage.

Upon searching the van officers discovered more than 350kgs of cannabis, with an estimated street value of around £3.5m.

The driver of the vehicle, Simon Stone from Smallford, St Albans, was arrested and subsequently charged with possession with intent to supply class B drugs (cannabis) and possession of class A drugs (cocaine) and driving offences. He was later remanded into custody at Hatfield remand court.

Detective Sergeant Grant Finnie from Hertfordshire Constabulary's Serious Crime Investigation Team said: "This was a great result following a proactive stop check by our Mobile Support Team officers.

"We're committed to keeping drugs off our streets and we have the capacity to disrupt drug supply networks coming into the county from neighbouring areas."