The crackdown was carried out by Norfolk Constabulary in partnership with Immigration Enforcement as part of Operation Silent.

It focused on disrupting organised immigration crime during joint action days in Norwich and Thetford between December and February.

Officers intercepted vehicles used for commercial deliveries, including e-bikes, mopeds and vans.

Genti Haxhiu, 36, of Lavengro Road, Norwich, was arrested and later charged with possession of a Class A drug, namely cocaine, and being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

He appeared at Norwich Magistrates' Court on March 2 and will next appear at Norwich Crown Court on March 30.

Other arrests were for drug driving, illegal working, overstaying visas and the production of fake driving licences.

Three further arrests were made in Birmingham and Luton following the arrest of one man driving a delivery van with a fake driving licence.

Police also seized 24 illegally modified e-bikes and 19 other vehicles for lacking insurance or a valid licence.

PC Chris Leah, lead officer from the Commercial Vehicle Unit, said: "Our partnership with Immigration Enforcement is vital in safeguarding vulnerable people from modern slavery and in tackling the criminal groups responsible.

"Migrants working illegally in areas such as food delivery are frequently exploited by organised networks that control access to work accounts and identity documents.

"Operations like this provide an important opportunity to disrupt illegal working within the delivery sector.

"We will keep carrying out similar activity across Norfolk, ensuring firm action against those involved in Organised Immigration Crime."

Organised immigration crime often involves the illegal entry of migrants into the UK and is commonly connected to drug trafficking, modern slavery and human trafficking offences.

© Norwich Evening News