Man jailed after 15 blocks of cocaine found in vehicle

Paul Price, 50, was stopped in his white Renault Master when it reached the traffic lights at the A174 slip lane onto Low Lane. Matrix officers spotted the suspicious vehicle on the A19 near Crathorne at around 4.20pm on Thursday, November 14.

Officers used a tactical pursuit and containment (TPAC) manoeuvre to stop the van.

Price and the Renault Master were searched. 15 blocks of cocaine, weighing one kilogram each, were seized. The drugs are estimated to have a street sale value of around £1.5 million.

The 50-year-old was arrested and the following day, the dedicated drugs unit (DDU) worked closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to secure a charge of possession with intent to supply cocaine.

Video footage of his arrest shows Price being put into handcuffs by police while a dog searched the van.

He was remanded to appear at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, November 15 where he pleaded guilty to the offence.

Price was remanded into custody to appear at Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday (December 16) where he was sentenced to seven years and four months in prison.

Detective Constable Ian Waugh from the DDU said: “Cleveland Police responded quickly to stop this vehicle and prevent these class A drugs from hitting the streets of Teesside.

“We have stopped around £1,500,000 from falling into the hands of organised criminals and prevented a destructive drug from entering our communities which blight the lives of many vulnerable people.

“We will not tolerate criminals dealing drugs and exploiting vulnerable people for their own gain. I would urge the public to continue to report their concerns to officers.”

Anyone who may have information on drugs activity in their area is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101, Crimestoppers anonymously online or by ringing 0800 555 111.