A man from Somerset has been jailed after he was found in possession of a large quantity of class A and B drugs following a stop check in Cheshire.

Gary Boone appeared at Chester Crown Court on Thursday 21 September, where he was sentenced to four years imprisonment. 

The 60-year-old, of West Street, Bridgewater, had previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class A drugs (cocaine) and possession of class B drugs (cannabis).

The court heard that at around 9.30am on Tuesday 4 July, officers from Merseyside Police reported that they believed a car being driven by Boone, a Grey Mazda CX-5, may be transporting a quantity of drugs.

Later, at around 11.30am, the same vehicle was sighted by Cheshire Roads and Crime officers on the M6 motorway travelling southbound near Knutsford.

Police stopped the car and during a search of the vehicle officers located a sack containing a large amount of white powder. They also recovered a small cellophane wrap containing cannabis and a sandwich bag also containing further white powder. A mobile phone and a quantity of cash were also seized by officers.

Boone was subsequently arrested.

The substances seized during the search were later examined by forensic officers and confirmed to be 500g of cocaine, with an estimated street value of up to £50,000. The substance found in the sandwich bag was also confirmed as cocaine, with an estimated street value of up to £1,350.

Detective Constable Taylor, from Eastern CID, said: "It's clear that the drugs discovered during this traffic stop were destined for onward supply, but thanks to our officer's quick intervention, we have successfully taken a large amount of class A drugs off the street.

"Boone's sentencing today shows that we take drugs offences very seriously and I hope this sends a stark warning to others. No matter who you are, or where you are from, if you're planning to transport illegal drugs in Cheshire you will be caught and you will be brought to justice.

"If you have any information about illegal drug activity or any other criminal activity taking place, please report it to us on 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, and we will take care of the rest."