TWO men from Colchester were among the 34 people arrested in an anti-drink and drug sting over the weekend.

The 29 men and five women were arrested on suspicion of drink or drug related offences between Friday and Sunday.

Edward Sigournay of Wills Green, Colchester was due to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court yesterday morning, charged with drink driving.

He was arrested at Wills Green, Colchester at 1.50am yesterday.

Dane Scullion, 29, of Circular Road South, Colchester was also due to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court yesterday morning, charged with drink driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision.

He was arrested at Long Green, Colchester at 11.40am yesterday.

A total of 11 others from across Essex were charged with offences.

Two drivers were also charged with failing to provide a specimen of breath for analysis when required to do so, after being arrested in Basildon and Rayleigh.

Four people were arrested on suspicion of drug driving.

They include a 35-year-old man from Harwich and a 20-year-old man from Sible Hedingham.

They have both been released on bail to various dates in August and September pending laboratory testing of the samples they provided.

Adam Pipe, Casualty Reduction Manager at Essex Police, said: "I hope these arrests send out a clear message to drivers thinking about getting behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

"Our officers are out there and they will catch you.

"If you drink and/or take drug, be warned – it really is only a matter of time before you’re arrested and put before the courts.”

A total of 104 people have been arrested during the summer anti-drink and drug driving operation, which launched on June 10. Of those arrested, 86 have been male and 18 female.