A 20-year-old man has been arrested after suspected drugs were thrown from a van during a police pursuit on the M5 near Gloucester.

The pursuit happened in the early hours of Monday, with Roads Policing Unit officers first spotting the van at about 3am. The vehicle had flagged up on police systems while officers were patrolling the motorway.

An officer activated the patrol car’s lights and sirens to signal the driver to stop. Police said the driver failed to pull over, and officers then pursued the van along the M5.

Van left the M5 at junction 12

The chase continued until the driver left the motorway at junction 12 for Gloucester. During the pursuit, police say suspected drugs were thrown from the van.

The driver eventually stopped in the Quedgeley area. He then got out of the van and ran away, prompting a short foot chase. Officers detained the man nearby.

Police searched the route taken by the van after the arrest. Those searches led to the discovery of discarded bags containing suspected drugs.

A search of the van also found what police described as a large quantity of suspected drugs, along with bank notes. The supplied report does not give details of the type or value of the drugs, or the amount of cash recovered.

Man held on suspicion of several offences

The man is from Emersons Green in South Gloucestershire. He was arrested on suspicion of seven offences:

  • Dangerous driving
  • Failing to stop for police
  • Possession with intent to supply Class A drugs
  • Possession of an offensive weapon in a public place
  • Driving without third-party insurance
  • Driving without a licence
  • Driving a vehicle while above the legal drug limit

He remains in police custody for questioning. The source report does not say whether he has been charged, and an arrest on suspicion is not a finding of guilt.

How to report concerns about drug dealing

Anyone with concerns or information about drug dealing can report it to Gloucestershire Police. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through Crimestoppers.

The report was published on September 15, 2026. It refers to the pursuit as taking place in the early hours of Monday but does not state the exact calendar date of the incident.