A 43-year-old man has been arrested in Gran Canaria after allegedly fleeing from a police checkpoint on a moped in Las Palmas, driving against the flow of traffic and colliding with three vehicles before crashing.

The incident began when officers from the Canary Islands Police Citizen Security Unit (USEC), supported by its dog unit, were carrying out a vehicle checkpoint in the La Isleta neighbourhood.

According to police information released today, officers signalled for the motorcyclist to stop, but he allegedly ignored their instructions and accelerated away.

A search was launched and officers located the motorcycle and its rider a short time later following an accident at a junction.

Police say the motorcyclist had travelled against the direction of traffic during the escape and collided with three other vehicles, causing material damage.

Despite the potentially serious circumstances, no injuries were reported among the occupants of the other vehicles involved.

Suspected cocaine found after crash

When officers reached the scene, they found the 43-year-old lying on the ground following the collision.

According to the police account, he was holding a bag containing approximately 120 grams of a substance suspected to be cocaine.

Officers also reported finding traces of the substance on the man's face and body and scattered on the road.

Because of the injuries he sustained in the crash, emergency medical assistance was requested and a medicalised ambulance from the Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC) attended the scene.

The man was treated before being transferred to the Doctor Negrín University Hospital of Gran Canaria, where police said he remained while recovering from his injuries.

He remains under arrest while officers prepare proceedings relating to suspected offences against public health and road safety.

The substance seized by police has been sent for analysis, meaning authorities have not yet formally confirmed that it is cocaine.