ONE of the first arrests under new police drug laws has been made by Cleveland Police.

The legislation came into force on Monday and shortly before midnight a driver was stopped on Marsh House Avenue in Billingham and provided a positive roadside drug test.

The 21-year-old man was arrested and taken into custody. He remains in custody this morning.

"Whilst this may be amongst the first in the country, it won't be the last. Our message remains the same...don't get behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs. It's just not worth the risk," said a force spokeswoman.

Inspector Ed Turner, from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit, added: “We welcomed the new legislation on Monday and were pleased to be able to use it with success in the first 24 hours.

“We continually strive to make sure that our roads are as safe as possible and this new law provides us with another tool to be able to do that.

"Those who drive under the influence of drugs, or equally alcohol, put their lives and the lives of other innocent road users and pedestrians at significant risk. Again we would repeat our warning – don’t get behind the wheel under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It’s just not worth the risk.”