A drug dealer from County Durham who tried to dispose of £24,000 worth of cocaine has been jailed.
Jason Mawson was stopped by officers in his car on August 20 but fled the scene with nearly half a kilogram of cocaine.
The 52-year-old tried to dispose of the 488g block of cocaine in the middle of Tow Law but was caught by pursuing officers.
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And at Durham Crown Court on Friday, Mawson, of Grey Street, Crook, was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison for possession with intent to supply a Class A drug.
The drugs were estimated to be worth £24,000 but much more if they had been sold on the street.
Acting Detective Inspector of the force’s Specialist Crime Operations Unit, Amanda Howe, welcomed the sentence.
She said: "I hope that this sentence sends a clear message to those who are tempted to become involved in drugs criminality.
"Durham Constabulary will not tolerate individuals being embroiled in the supply of drugs which impacts upon and causes harm to communities."
