Bedfordshire Police have seized a substantial quantity of suspected
Class A drugs and a loaded firearm following a high-speed vehicle
pursuit in Luton on Saturday night.
At approximately 11:30 PM on June 29, officers attempted to stop a
vehicle in the Marsh Farm area as part of an ongoing proactive
operation. The driver failed to stop, and a pursuit was authorised
through several areas of the town, including Dallow and Farley Hill. The
vehicle was brought to a stop on Beechwood Road shortly after midnight.
Following a search of the vehicle, officers recovered approximately
25 kilograms of suspected cocaine, tightly packaged and concealed within
hidden compartments. The estimated street value of the drugs is
believed to exceed £600,000.
Also recovered was a Beretta 92FS 9mm semi-automatic handgun, loaded
with 38 rounds of ammunition, located in a modified compartment beneath
the driver's seat.
A 29-year-old man, of no fixed address, was detained at the scene and
taken into custody. He is currently being questioned on suspicion of:
Possession with intent to supply Class A drugs,
Possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and
Dangerous driving.
Enquiries are ongoing, and officers are working to identify additional individuals believed to have fled the area on foot.
A spokesperson for Bedfordshire Police said:
"This was a significant seizure and a strong example of the ongoing
work being done to disrupt serious and organised criminal activity in
the region. The recovery of such a large quantity of drugs and a loaded
firearm presents a clear threat to public safety, and investigations are
continuing at pace."
Police are appealing to the public for information and are
particularly interested in any dashcam or residential CCTV footage from
the Dallow, Beechwood Road, or Chaul End areas between 10:30 PM and 1:00
AM on the night of the incident.
Anonymous reports can be made via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Distributed by Pressat