A 34-year-old man has been sentenced to more than three years in prison after attempting to conceal a large quantity of Class A drugs inside a fake beer can.
Patrick Smith was stopped by officers from the Neighbourhood Support Team (NST) on 3 December in Cubitt Way, Woodston, Peterborough. Police said he had been seen interacting with individuals known for drug use in the area.
When officers informed Smith he would be detained for a search, he allegedly drove off at speed, mounting the pavement and narrowly avoiding both officers and street bollards.
The vehicle was later located parked in Earl Spencer Court. Smith was found nearby and appeared to be attempting to leave the area on foot.
Following his arrest, officers discovered a sizeable quantity of heroin and crack cocaine concealed inside a disguised beer can. The item had been discarded in a fence line close to where Smith had been seen lingering.
Smith, of Sycamore Road, Whittlesey, appeared before Cambridge Crown Court on 16 February. He admitted dangerous driving, possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine, possession of criminal property relating to £290 in cash, and obstructing an officer during a Section 23 search.
He was sentenced to three years and two months in custody and disqualified from driving for 43 months. The court also ordered that the £290 seized be awarded to Cambridge Recovery Service.
PC Charlie Adams, who led the arrest, said officers had been patrolling the area following reports of drug activity. He added that removing illegal drugs from the streets remains a priority due to the wider harm associated with dealing and related crime.
Police continue to urge members of the public to report information about suspected drug activity in their communities.