Police who stopped a driver in a popular UK holiday hotspot were stunned to find the vehicle rammed full of cocaine - with 39 blocks worth £4million. Now Courtney Gaston-Hird, 34, of Sleaford, Lincolnshire, has been jailed for 10 years for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

Cumbria Police said the seizure in Penrith, near the stunning Lake District National Park, is "one of the most significant drugs seizures in Cumbria to date." Carlisle Crown Court heard officers from Cumbria’s Roads Policing Unit stopped his car on Wednesday 3rd June near Penrith.

Upon stopping the vehicle and speaking to Courtney, officers had cause to search his vehicle under the misuse of drugs act.

He then became resistant and made off from officers. Following a short foot pursuit the defendant was detained and arrested.

The search of the vehicle was conducted where officers uncovered 39 ‘blocks’ white powder which subsequent testing confirmed to be cocaine.

Each block weighed 1kg (35oz) and in total the haul had an estimated street value of almost £4 million.

The seizure forms part of forms part of Operation Alliance - Cumbria Constabulary’s ongoing response to protect the county against serious and organised crime.

Westmorland and Furness’ Community and Serious Organised Crime (CSOC) team, who investigated the offences, said: "This vehicle stop proves what an important power these are to police, meaning we were able to prevent these Class A drugs from hitting the streets of Cumbria, or further afield.

"This seizure has prevented almost £4 million from falling into the hands of organised criminals who exploit the vulnerable for their own gain.

"I hope this sentencing shows we will not tolerate criminals dealing drugs in our county and we will use all of our powers to bring those who do before the courts."