A Dagenham man has been arrested after a routine vehicle check led to police seizing 40 cannabis plants.

Officers from Essex Police stopped a Vauxhall Zafira for failing to have a valid MOT certificate.

But something didn’t smell right – the car stunk of weed.

Following their noses, officers sniffed out the plants and arrested the 37-year-old driver on suspicion of: producing a Class B drug, possessing a Class B drug, possessing an offensive weapon and drug driving.

He has been released on bail pending further investigation.

Tuesday’s arrest, which took place at about 9.30am in Oxford Road, Clacton-on-Sea, was part of a road policing operation in the seaside town.

Dubbed Operation Nash, the move saw a 29-year-old woman arrested on suspicion on drug driving. She was released on bail pending further enquiries.

Five vehicles were caught with invalid MOTs, six drivers with using a mobile phone behind the wheel and 45 for not wearing a seatbelt, Essex Police said.