A DRUG driver who was stopped at a checkpoint as part of a random stop and search has described his "regret and remorse."

Daniel Dowell, 26, was snared as part of Project Servator, a high-visibility Essex Police initiative launched to better detect criminals and reassure the public.

Appearing at Colchester Magistrates' Court, Dowell, who works as an estate agent, said the conviction would result in him having to hunt for a new career.

Barry Hargreaves, prosecuting, said: "The community policing team were conducting random vehicle checks as part of Project Servator.

"This was a high-visibility checkpoint in Haven Road, Colchester, and all officers were in full uniform.

"An Vauxhall Astra, being driven by Mr Dowell, was stopped by a PC.

"There was another male in the front passenger seat.

"The driver gave his details and the officer noticed a smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle as he spoke to the driver.

"Another officer conducted a drug swab on the defendant and this gave a positive indicator for cannabis and so he was arrested and taken to Colchester Police Station.

"A sample of blood was taken and sent off for analysis."

Dowell, of Maple Drive, Kirby Cross, was found to have cannabis and cocaine in his system.

He admitted two charges of driving with a proportion of a controlled drug above the specified limit.

Addressing the magistrates, Dowell said he had taken the drugs on a Friday and did not believe they would still be in his system when he was stopped on Sunday, April 8.

"It is a very poor decision," he said.

"I had done the drugs on Friday night and got pulled on Sunday morning, I didn't actually think it would still be in my system.

"But it was a very stupid thing to do.

"I won't be able to go back to work doing the same job, I will have to look for a new career.

"I am very remorseful and I heavily regret what I have done."

Dowell was ordered to pay a total of £235 in fines and was disqualified from driving for a year.