The first person has been arrested in Sutton under new drug driving laws.

His arrest came during a borough wide operation on Thursday, March 5, to crack down on criminals using roads in Sutton.

The law came into effect on Monday.

According to Sutton police the arrested man, aged 21, was stopped at a police checkpoint in Bishopsford Road, Sutton, set up as part of the Metropolitan Poilice's operation CUBO to combat uninsured and unlicensed drivers as well as to disrupt criminal activities.

Chief Inspector Duncan McMillan said residents are "understandably concerned about road safety, anti-social driving and criminals using the roads".

He added: "This operation was all about us bringing as many resources as practicable into our borough to prevent offending, deal with offenders and to reassure our residents that we are taking action to keep our roads safe.

"We will educate drivers whilst discouraging criminals from using our roads as we work to reduce crime even further."

The driver, who was travelling with a male passenger, was searched and required to provide a roadside drugs test.

He was later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and possession of cannabis (Class B).

His male passenger, aged 23, was arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis (Class B).

They were both taken to a South London police station where they remain in custody pending substance anaylsis results.

Enquiries continue.

The change in the law has meant that it is now an offence to drive with certain drugs above a specified level in your blood - just as it is with drink driving.