Drug dealer jailed over £4m cocaine haul
Cumbria PoliceA drug dealer caught transporting cocaine with a street value of almost £4m has been jailed for 10 years.
Police found 39 "blocks" of white powder - each weighing 1kg (35oz) - after stopping Courtney Gaston-Hird's car in Penrith in June.
Cumbria Police described it as "one of the most significant drugs seizures" made in the county.
At Carlisle Crown Court on Tuesday, Gaston-Hird, 34, of Garage Cottages, Sleaford, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
Police said he had tried to run away when his vehicle was being searched but he was caught after a "short foot pursuit".
"This seizure has prevented almost £4m from falling into the hands of organised criminals who exploit the vulnerable for their own gain," the force said in a statement released after the sentencing.