A south Essex man has been charged with drugs and weapon offences after a motorist was stopped and detained on the A12. 

Dave Steingold, 52 of London Road, Grays has been charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and possession of an offensive weapon. 

It followed a routine stop check of a vehicle on the A12, close to Stanford Le Hope at about 8am on Friday. 

The driver was arrested at the scene.

Chief Inspector Tony Atkin said "This charge demonstrates the work we do every day to stop drug dealing in Essex and keep vulnerable people safe. 

"The vehicle was stopped by our roads policing unit, following a routine stop check.

"These stop checks are to ensure that vehicles on our road network are safe, thereby keeping people safe."

Steingold was due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates Court on Saturday.