Dyfed-Powys Police drug drive stop 'racial profiling' claim

Mohammed Aziz, 42, was stopped by Dyfed Powys Police officers on July 8 because they had received information his vehicle was linked to drugs.

Welshpool Magistrates’ Court heard this week that although Aziz believes he was targeted because of his race and the fact he had a previous drugs caution dating back more than 20 years, he did provide a positive roadside test for cannabis.

He admitted drug driving at the hearing on Tuesday, November 14.

Aziz was stopped on Llanbadarn Road in Aberystwyth at around 3.30pm by PC Roberts. He agreed to provide a drug wipe and the result came back positive for cannabis. He had 5.8 micrograms of the Class B drug in his system – the legal limit is 2 micrograms.

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“PC Roberts stopped the defendant as he had information the defendant was linked to controlled substances,” said prosecutor Helen Tench.

“A drug swipe was positive and he was arrested. The defendant has a record but the matters are spent.”

Acting for father-of-three Aziz, of Colchester Street, Coventry, Rob Hanratty said there was no impairment in relation to his driving.

“He had taken a female friend out for a date, he believes he was stopped because he was an Asian man in Aberystwyth, and he was a victim of profiling,” said Mr Hanratty.

“He is not associated with the transportation of drugs. He was shocked when the drug wipe came back as positive.

“He was given some oil by a friend which provided great pain relief as he’s a plasterer and suffers with back pain.

“He thinks his name might have come up on the police computer as, 22 years ago, he received a caution for having a tiny amount of cannabis on him.”

Aziz was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £400. He must also pay a £160 surcharge and £85 costs.