A man has been arrested and a machete and drugs recovered after officers from Operation Venice stopped a car that had been reported as stolen

A man has been arrested and a machete and drugs recovered after officers from Operation Venice stopped a car that had been reported as stolen.
At approximately 9.15pm on Wednesday, 15 April, the officers – who were on patrol in the Westminster area – spotted a grey Fiat Abarth car in Edgware Road, W2. The car had been identified by previous patrols as being stolen and was using false plates.
Officers indicated for the car to stop but it drove off at speed. An authorised pursuit was initiated and the Fiat was brought to a halt in Warwick Avenue, W2 after tactical contact was used.
The driver of the car  was arrested on suspicion of aggravated vehicle theft, failing to stop for police, possession with intent to supply class B drugs (cannabis) and possession of an offensive weapon (a machete). He remains in custody at a central London police station.

PC Stuart MacPherson who works on Operation Venice said:
“There is an established link between drug supply and violence and Operation Venice officers, along with all other officers in the Met, continue to work around the clock to pursue those linked to such activities.
“In this case officers have reacted quickly on identifying a stolen car, and brought the situation safely and professionally to a conclusion. We will continue to work tirelessly to identify and arrest those intent on committing violent crime across London.”