A man has been sentenced to two years in prison after police discovered a stash of cocaine hidden inside the steering wheel of his car during a routine stop in Tamworth.
Drugs Concealed in Sock Within Steering Column
Basta Basha, a 24-year-old resident of Brighton, appeared at Stafford Crown Court on Friday, February 20, where he admitted to multiple offences. The charges included possession with intent to supply class A drugs, specifically cocaine, possession of criminal property, and driving without a valid licence or insurance.
Suspicious Driving Leads to Police Intervention
Staffordshire Police reported that Basha was spotted driving in a suspicious manner in the Two Gates area of Tamworth in January. Officers promptly stopped the vehicle and conducted a thorough search, which led to the discovery of four snap bags containing cocaine.
The drugs had been carefully concealed within a black sock, which was then hidden inside the steering wheel column of the car. In addition to the cocaine, police seized a quantity of cash, a mobile phone, and the vehicle itself as part of their investigation.
Additional Penalties Imposed by the Court
Alongside the two-year custodial sentence, the court ordered Basha to pay a surcharge and forfeit the seized cash. His driving licence was also officially endorsed, reflecting the serious nature of his offences.
Police Statement on Community Protection
Superintendent Victoria Downing, from the major and organised crime department, commented on the case. She stated, “Basha knew what was concealed in the vehicle and was clearly involved in supplying illegal drugs. I am pleased he has been handed jail time for his offending and hope this shows how we continue to disrupt the work of criminals in Staffordshire to protect our communities from harm.”
This incident underscores the ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to combat drug-related activities and ensure public safety across the region.
