Man jailed after being stopped with a million pounds worth of cocaine

A man has been jailed for drug offences after he was found to be in possession of a million pounds worth of cocaine when he was stopped by police in Netherton last month.

John Butler, 27, of Clements Way in Tower Hill was jailed for eight years at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday 8 February) after admitting to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

On Saturday 8 January, patrols stopped a black Volkswagen on Heysham Road in Netherton.

Butler, who was driving the vehicle, appeared nervous and was visibly shaking when speaking to officers.

Police conducted a search of the vehicle and found a bag for life containing 10kgs of Class A drugs (cocaine).

Butler was arrested, charged and remanded in custody.

The drugs seized from Butler’s vehicle were examined and found to have an estimated street value of around one million pounds.

 

Detective Inspector Furlong said: “We welcome the significant sentence handed down to Butler which shows that we simply will not tolerate those who put our communities at significant risk by supplying drugs and the misery they bring.

“Thanks to the work of our officers, a significant quantity of drugs can no longer cause fear and harm on the streets of Merseyside. Every time our officers disrupt the activity of criminals by arresting suspects and seizing illicit drugs and cash, it removes their ability to cause further harm and to use the misery of others to line their pockets.

“Remember that every time someone buys drugs from criminals they are fuelling an illicit business that directly impacts the safety of people in our communities. I would urge anyone aware of drug dealing in their area to let us know so that we can take the direct action we have taken today, and improve the quality of life for people right across Merseyside.”

Anyone with information on drug dealing in their community is asked to contact @MerPolCC, call 101 or Crimestoppers UK anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.