ESSEX and Met Police officers joined forces to mount an operation on roads around the Moto services in West Thurrock.

The aim if the operation was to target those carrying out organised immigration crime.

Around 60 officers from both forces as well as partners including Immigration Enforcement, the DVSA, and the Food Standards Agency were stopping vehicles near to the Moto services on the M25 in Thurrock on Thursday, 28 October.

In total, 38 vehicles which had come into the UK that day were stopped and searched by police and Immigration Enforcement.

A total of £2,000 in fines were issued for minor traffic offences including offences relating to drivers' hours and their tachograph, as well as a driver identified as using someone else's driver card.

Two drivers were also arrested on suspicion of drug driving.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Hooper, from Essex Police said: "This was a really successful joint operation.

"This partnership working between Essex Police, the Met, and other agencies just emphasises our commitment to identifying, disrupting and tackling the ruthless criminal gangs exploiting vulnerable people and putting their welfare at risk.

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"We know from experience that these groups use our road network to transport people into the country illegally, often in dangerous conditions.

"Alongside this enforcement action, we continue to work with the haulage industry to make their lorries safer."