A YOUNG driver under the influence of drugs, along his with passenger, is busted speeding through the streets in a dramatic chase in the Cotswolds in a Channel 5 show tonight (Wednesday, October 23).
Tonight’s episode of Police Night Shift: 999 After Dark - which follows the highs and lows facing Gloucestershire Police working through the night - sees constable PC Merchant on the lookout for a car that has been flagged up as being involved in some robberies in the area.
He is suspicious when another car makes an abrupt turn to avoid him in a petrol station, which footage from the programme indicates is the Bourton-on-the-Hill Gulf station.
After a high-speed chase in the rural outskirts of town, PC Merchant catches up with the car and its young driver to question him.
While leaning into the vehicle in what footage suggests is Moreton-in-Marsh, the officer detects a strong aroma of cannabis and promptly gives the driver an on-the-spot drug test.
In a clip from tonight’s episode, PC Merchant is seen asking the young driver if he has had any cannabis that night.
Reluctantly, the driver responds: “No, not tonight.
“I have recently, and I'm aware that it comes up in your system.”
Clarifying his answer, PC Merchant says: “You’re aware it comes up in your system and you’re still driving?”
Flustering, the driver says: “Well, I understand. I really do understand.
“But it doesn't affect me in my body and my mental… like that.”
Exasperated, the officer retorts: “So, it doesn't matter if you don’t think it affects you - it’s illegal.”
Increasingly desperate, the driver replies: “I understand.
“I am very good.
“I do understand.”
PC Merchant then invites the suspect to view the results of the drug test.
“Can you jump out of the vehicle for us?” he says.
“So, if you look at this… one line means you’ve passed, two lines means you’ve failed.
“So, you failed on cannabis.
“So, the time is 36 minutes past one, and you’re under arrest on suspicion of driving a motor vehicle while over the drug drive limit.”
Realising the severity of the situation, the young driver solemnly responds: “Oh, mate.”
A further search of the car leads PC Merchant to another seven bags of drugs.
The full story can be seen tonight, Wednesday, October 23, on Channel 5 at 9pm.
Police Night Shift: 999 is produced by Crackit Productions.
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