[A] proactive vehicle stop by an off-duty police officer has led to a man being given a prison sentence.
Philip Foster, 21, of no fixed abode but from the Manchester area, was handed three years at Carlisle Crown Court today (January 12th) after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs (heroin and crack cocaine), possession of a bladed article, and possession of an offensive weapon.
Foster was stopped on September 17th last year, on the A65 near Endmoor, after the officer became concerned by his driving.
The Ford Fiesta he was driving was stopped, and upon speaking to Foster it was believed he was under the influence. He left the vehicle and ran from police.
A search of the car found a plastic tub containing 42 wraps of heroin and 44 wraps of crack cocaine, both worth between an estimated £860 and £1,330.
A baton was also seized from a jacket in the vehicle, and a machete found in the glove box.
Police recovered four mobile phones, examination of which showed they were connected to supply of heroin and crack cocaine in the local area.
In interview, Foster told officers he had been dealing in Kendal for three to four weeks.
Detective Chief Inspector Dave Stalker said: “This case demonstrates that even when off-duty, if our officers suspect a crime is in action, or that someone could be putting others at risk, they will act. It is the great initiative of that officer and the hard-working detectives in our drug unit, that had led to the imprisonment of Foster today. I am pleased that he has been sent to prison for his crimes and hope that this acts as a deterrent to those who think they can come into our county to deal drugs.”
