A DRIVER caught in a busted car in Basildon tested "positive for cocaine and cannabis".

Essex Police roads policing officers flagged down the vehicle earlier this week after being alerted to its smashed wheel arch.

A roadside drug test "indicated positive for cocaine and cannabis."

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Police say the driver was also found to be in possesion of stolen property.

The driver, a man, was arrested on suspicion of drug driving, theft, taking a motor vehicle without owner's consent, and driving without a licence or insurance.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "Officers from our Roads Policing Unit were out on patrol in Basildon earlier this week when their attention was drawn to a vehicle being driven in a rather sorry state. Vehicle was safely stopped and enquires carried out , along with a roadside drug wipe on the driver which indicated positive for Cocaine and Cannabis.

"A search also revealed suspected stolen property inside the vehicle. One male was arrested on suspicion of Drug Driving, Theft From a Shop, Taking a Motor Vehicle Without Owner's Consent, Drive Motor Vehicle Otherwise Than in Accordance with a Licence and Driving Without Insurance."