Police in Bolton have seized a car they suspect has been used in drug dealing.

According to Greater Manchester Police,  officers saw the black Vauxhall Astra in Tonge Moor in the evening on Saturday, September 7, and suspected it to be involved in drug dealing.

After failing to stop for officers on Crompton Way, the driver was pursued to Halliwell before abandoning the vehicle off Harold Street.

Police checks confirmed the vehicle’s number plate had been cloned.

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GMP’s Bolton division says enquiries are ongoing to try to identify the driver.

The car was seized under the Road Traffic Act.

Section 165A of the Road Traffic Act gives officers the power to seize vehicles.

According to Greater Manchester Police, those looking to reclaim their vehicle after it has been seized have 14 days to prove satisfactory ownership and to provide legitimate insurance at a police station, or their vehicle will be disposed of – with no extensions given.

Vehicles can be scrapped or sold at auction after this time.

When vehicles are sold at auction, drivers may be entitled to claim the proceeds of the sale if they can prove legitimate and satisfactory ownership within 12 months.

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In a post on GMP’s Bolton Facebook page, the force said: “This vehicle has been seized by Officers from the Bolton North Neighbourhood team on Saturday evening.

“Officers sighted the vehicle in Tonge Moor and suspected it to be involved in drug dealing.

“The vehicle failed to stop on Crompton way and was pursued into and around Halliwell. The vehicle was abandoned off Harold Street and checks confirmed that it is a cloned vehicle.

“The vehicle was seized under S165 Road Traffic Act.

“Enquiries are ongoing to identify the driver.”

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