A drug dealer was found with almost £7,000 in cash after police saw him throw a box of cannabis out of his car window.
Dean Harvey raised suspicions when driving in Ashington on October 1, 2020, after being seen "avoiding police".
The 31-year-old then pulled into a nearby car park and was seen throwing a box filled with drugs out of the vehicle's window.
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Following his arrest, his home was searched and more cannabis and cash were recovered.
Harvey appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday to be sentenced for possession of cannabis intent to supply.
He pleaded guilty to the charge at a previous hearing.
Omar Ahmad, prosecuting, said police in Ashington were notified of a vehicle "acting suspiciously" in the area, that was "avoiding police".
The vehicle, which was being driven by Harvey, was then seen on Front Street, in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, and officers followed it to a nearby B&M store.
"The defendant was observed rolling down the passenger window and throwing a box from the window", Mr Ahmad said.
Officers then moved in and "detained" Harvey before recovering the box.
Inside the box was a "large quantity" of cannabis, totalling around 168g.
Cash to the value of £6,955 was also found, with more cannabis in the footwell of the vehicle.
A search of his home was then carried out with more cash, cannabis and "cannabis paraphernalia" being found.
Harvey's mobile phone was also seized and examined, with messages relating to dealing being found.
The court heard that a drugs expert estimated the total street value of all the cannabis seized was between £9,500 and £14,180.
Harvey, of Northumberland Avenue, Ashington, had three previous convictions for six offences, but no convictions as an adult.
Richard Bloomfield, defending, said Harvey had pleaded guilty and said he had been "bulk buying" cannabis for his own use and "selling bits and pieces" to friends.
He said the reason he had almost £7,000 cash in his car at the time was because he was travelling to Newcastle to buy a motorbike.
Mr Bloomfield added Harvey had two children and was working as a self-employed delivery driver.
Recorder Amy Mannion sentenced Harvey to six months prison, suspended for 12 months.
He was also ordered to carry out 21 rehabilitation activity days.
