A man has been jailed for 5 years after cocaine worth over £40,000 was seized from his vehicle.
Officers stopped the vehicle on 11 November 2025 on the A590 after it showed as having no insurance. Upon speaking to the driver, he was detained under the misuse of drugs act.
The driver, 38-year-old James Hurst of Towngate Lane, Lancashire, and the vehicle were searched, and officers seized a quantity of cocaine in compressed form.
The drugs are estimated to have a street value of between £40,720 and £50,900.
Hurst was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
He pleaded guilty at a hearing in December 2025 and was sentenced to 5 years in prison on Friday (19 June) at Carlisle Crown Court.
A spokesperson from Westmorland and Furness’s Community Serious and Organised Crime (CSOC) team, said: “Removing this quantity of cocaine from our streets has undoubtedly prevented significant harm.
“Drug dealing fuels addiction, crime, and exploitation and puts countless lives at risk.
“We remain committed to tackling drug crime and protecting the public.”
The investigation forms part of Operation Alliance - our wider ongoing response to protect the county against serious and organised crime.
If you suspect drug dealing is occurring in your community, report it today so we can take action.
You can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it.
You can also phone on 101.
Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Always call 999 in an emergency, including when a crime is in progress.