Police Chase Nets £70,000 Whisky Haul on M606 Near Bradford
Officers on a routine drink-driving patrol made a stunning discovery: a lorry loaded with £70,000 worth of whisky, suspected stolen, after a high-speed chase on the M606 near Bradford.
Whisky-Laden Lorry Fails to Stop
The drama unfolded early on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Police running Operation Limit, a national drink and drug drive crackdown, attempted to pull over a lorry for checks. Instead, it sped off, refusing to stop.
Stinger Stops Chase on M606
Officers gave chase along the northbound M606. At 7:50 AM, police deployed a stinger, puncturing the lorry’s tyres and forcing it to stop. The motorway was briefly closed as the action unfolded.
£70,000 of Johnny Cree Whisky Seized
After the stop, a search revealed boxes of Johnny Cree whisky on board – all without paperwork. The haul is believed stolen, prompting police suspicion. Two men found inside the lorry were swiftly arrested and remain in custody.
“The drink-drive patrol officers weren’t expecting this alcohol-related offence. Their swift action ensured the lorry was safely stopped, and the whisky seized. The investigation into the origins of the goods is ongoing,” said a West Yorkshire Police spokesperson.
Road Reopens, Police Praised
The M606 northbound has now reopened. Commuters watching the chase praised the police for their quick thinking.
“It was surprising to see such a dramatic stop during what seemed like a routine patrol. The police handled it brilliantly,” said one eyewitness.
If you have any information about the whisky or incident, contact 1 or anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
