A man stopped while transporting four kilograms of cocaine through Cumbria has been arrested, charged and admitted Class A drug supply offences at court – all within 24 hours.
Leon Ferguson, 48, of Stamford Road, Carrington, Manchester was stopped on Wednesday (11 Nov) at 1.30pm at Southwaite travelling northbound on the M6.
Leon Ferguson
He initially provided a false name but, when challenged on this, admitted who he was and confessed to officers that drugs were in the vehicle.
A black duffel bag was in the footwell of the front passenger-side of the vehicle. Inside were found bricks of cocaine weighing approximately four kilograms.
The cocaine was assessed to have a street value in excess of £300,000.
Ferguson was also found to be driving without a licence or insurance.
He was arrested and gave no comment responses in his police interview.
He was charged with offences following an investigation by Westmorland and Furness Community and Serious Organised Crime (CSOC) team.
Appearing at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court today (12 Nov) he admitted possession with intent to supply cocaine, driving without a licence and driving without insurance.
He was remanded in custody to be sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court on 11 December 2026.
The investigation is part of Operation Alliance – the Constabulary’s dedicated operation protecting the county against serious and organised crime.
A spokesperson for Westmorland and Furness CSOC said: “This was an arrest which began with eagle-eyed policework on the county’s motorway before being investigated by specialist serious and organised crime detectives.
“The result was guilty pleas to all charges, within 24 hours of the car being stopped.
“Our officers are determined to prevent serious and organised crime in our county.
“We would encourage people to report any suspicions of such offending in their community so that action can be taken.”
If you suspect drug offences are occurring in your community contact Cumbria Police today.
You can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit
You can also phone on 101.
Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.