Man Charged After £4 Million Cocaine Seizure Near Penrith
A man has been charged after police seized 39kg of cocaine from a vehicle near Penrith.
Cumbria Police said the cocaine has an estimated street value of nearly £4 million.
The vehicle was stopped by officers from Westmorland and Furness’ Neighbourhood Support Team on Wednesday, June 3.
After the vehicle stop, a man ran from the scene. Police said he was caught after a short foot pursuit.
Officers then searched the vehicle and found 39 blocks of white powder. Testing later confirmed the substance was cocaine.
Man Charged With Class A Drug Offence
Courtney Gaston-Hird, 34, of Sandholme Lane, Lincoln, has been charged with possession with intent to supply a Class A drug.
He was due to appear before Barrow Magistrates’ Court on Friday, June 5.
The charge follows what police have described as one of the most significant drug seizures in Cumbria to date.
An arrest and charge does not mean a person has been found guilty. The case will now continue through the court process.
One of Cumbria’s Biggest Drug Seizures
The amount of cocaine recovered is significant.
Police said officers found 39 blocks in the vehicle. The total weight was 39kg, with an estimated street value of nearly £4 million.
Large seizures of this kind are often linked to organised drug supply rather than personal use.
Cocaine is a Class A drug, which means offences involving supply can carry serious penalties.
Police have not confirmed where the drugs were believed to be heading, or whether they were linked to any specific town or county lines network.
Vehicle Stopped Near Penrith
The vehicle was stopped near Penrith on June 3.
Penrith sits close to major road routes through Cumbria, including the M6 and A66. These routes are often important for people travelling between Scotland, the North West, the North East and the Midlands.
Police forces regularly target vehicles on main roads as part of wider work to disrupt organised crime.
In this case, the stop was carried out by officers from Westmorland and Furness’ Neighbourhood Support Team.
Part of Operation Alliance
Cumbria Police said the seizure forms part of Operation Alliance.
Operation Alliance is the force’s ongoing response to serious and organised crime. It includes action against drug supply, exploitation, criminal networks and people bringing illegal substances into the county.
Work linked to the operation can include vehicle stops, warrants, arrests, intelligence gathering, cash seizures and safeguarding vulnerable people.
Police say the aim is to protect Cumbria from organised crime and reduce the harm caused by drugs.
Why Large Drug Seizures Matter
Seizing 39kg of cocaine can disrupt the supply chain before drugs reach communities.
Class A drugs can be linked to addiction, violence, debt, exploitation and wider crime.
Drug supply networks may also involve vulnerable people being pressured, threatened or used to store drugs, move money or allow properties to be used by dealers.
Removing a large quantity of cocaine from circulation can have a major impact, although police often say enforcement must be combined with prevention, intelligence work and support for people affected by drug harm.
Case Now Before the Courts
The case will now be dealt with through the criminal justice system.
Further details may emerge as court proceedings continue, including whether any plea is entered, where the case will be heard next, and whether any other people are linked to the investigation.
For now, the confirmed details are that 39kg of cocaine was seized from a vehicle near Penrith, a 34-year-old man from Lincoln has been charged, and police say the drugs had an estimated street value of nearly £4 million.
The seizure is being treated as part of Cumbria Police’s wider operation against serious and organised crime.
