A driver was caught with blocks of cocaine with a street value of £400,000 after his car broke down on the M56.
Darcy Holder-Smith caught the attention of a Cheshire Police patrol, which came across a stranded black BMW 3 series on the eastbound carriageway of the motorway, between junctions 12 at Clifton, Runcorn, and 11 at Preston Brook, at about 2.40pm on Friday, March 4
A force spokesman said the officers' suspicions were aroused after speaking to the driver and observing his behaviour, prompting a vehicle search to take place.
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Police discovered 10 compressed blocks of cocaine, three mobile phones and a quantity of cash. A drugs expert said the drugs had an estimated bulk value of between £220,000 and £266,000, with a street resale value of between £360,000 and £420,000.
Holder-Smith, of Ambler Grove, Coventry, was arrested at the scene and charged with possession with intent to supply class A drugs. Appearing at Chester Crown Court on April 1, the 22-year-old was jailed for six years and eight months after pleading guilty to the offence.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Ian Prashar, of Warrington CID, said: "I welcome the outcome of this case which has resulted in the recovery of a large quantity of class A drugs and the person responsible is now facing a significant prison sentence.
"The impact that illegal drugs have on our communities cannot be underestimated which is why we will not stop with our efforts to make Cheshire a hostile environment for criminals. I hope this result sends out a strong warning to other offenders, the message is clear, if you come to Cheshire to commit crime, you will be caught and you will be brought to justice."
Anyone with information about illegal drug activity in their area can report it to Cheshire Police online or report it to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.
