A man has appeared in court after four kilos of cannabis and £18,000 cash were found in a vehicle near Penrith.
Florjant Buzali, 35, was driving a Volkswagen T-Cross which was stopped by police close to Junction 40 of the M6 on November 25.
During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered four 1kg vacuum sealed bags containing cannabis under a spare wheel compartment. Cash, estimated to be around £18,000, was also seized.
The cannabis is reported to be worth several thousand pounds if sold on the street.
Buzali appeared at Carlisle Crown Court today remotely over a video link, and was assisted during a short hearing by an Albanian interpreter.
He faces two charges. One alleges the possession of cannabis with intent to supply. A second alleges the possession of criminal property, namely the cash.
No pleas were entered to the charges. A defence lawyer told the judge, Recorder Julian Shaw, that it had been agreed he would no longer act for the defendant.
Instead, there had been an application for a new lawyer to be instructed.
In view of that, Recorder Shaw adjourned the case. Buzali, of Hastings Street, Luton, is due to return to the crown court on January 31 when it is envisaged that pleas will then be entered to the allegations he faces.
In the meantime, he was remanded in custody.
