A Carlisle man has been jailed for 12 years after £490,000-worth of cocaine was found in a seized car.
Aaron Giacopazzi, 35, of Elizabeths Close, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court charged with two counts of possession with intent to supply cocaine and possession of criminal property.
He was caught after police seized a Ford Focus on February 16 which was not taxed or insured.
The vehicle was searched the following day under the Misuse of Drugs Act and officers found a rucksack containing blocks of cocaine, ounce deals and drug-related paraphernalia.
Giacopazzi went to where the Focus had been seized and told officers it was his car.
Drug experts found there was 4.9kg of cocaine in the car, estimated to have a street value of up to £491,500.
Giacopazzi was arrested on March 31 and his phone and vehicle seized. Officers found £1,000 in cash and searches were carried out at two addresses.
They found 153g of cocaine, a substantial amount of cash and plastic bags.
Detective Inspector Duncan Brooker said “This result shows the consequences that await those who are caught being involved in the supply of drugs to our communities.
“We will continue to take robust action to target organised criminality in Cumbria and will pursue those involved at every level.”
