Uber driver arrested for drugs - then passenger gets arrested too
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/li ... r-15831235
Merseyside Police got two for the price of one after a routine traffic stop
Image: Liverpool Echo/Merseyside Road Policing Unit
An Uber driver was arrested after testing positive for drugs - before the car's passenger was also arrested for possessing drugs.
Merseyside Police's Roads Policing Unit took to Twitter to tell of the successful bust in the early hours of Wednesday.
They explained that they had arrested the private hire driver after stopping them and after they tested positive for drugs consumption.
But in a separate twist, the unit said the passenger was also arrested for possession of a controlled drug.
Then, after a search of the car by a Merseyside Police dog by the name of Billy - even more drugs were found in the car.
From the image posted by the unit, the driver involved was working for the ride-hailing app giant Uber at the time of the arrest.
The tweet said: "PrivateHire stopped and driver #arrested after they tested positive for #drugs.
"The passenger was arrested for possession of a controlled drug.
"Following a search of the car by Billy from @MerPolDogs, more drugs were found! #canthidefrombilly #WeLoveBilly"
The tweet was met with plenty of praise from people for the work of the Roads Policing Unit - who have recently been clamping down on taxi and private hire drivers who take drugs and drive.
John Hugh said: "Great work another unsafe driver off the road."
Mick Bland added: "Nice one Billy."
The action comes as part of a concerted effort by Merseyside Police to root out taxi and private hire drivers who take drugs and drive.
Last year more than forty drivers were arrested for the offence - with the Roads Policing Unit highlighting a particular spate of incidents towards the end of last year.
