A ST Neots drug dealer caught with more than £1,000-worth of cocaine in his car has been jailed.

Stephen Bird’s Lexus was stopped by police as he was pulling away from an address in Oldfield Gardens, Whittlesey, on May 17, last year.

Officers searched the car and found cocaine hidden inside a can of lighter fluid, cash, a roll of plastic bags and electronic scales.

Two mobile phones were also discovered which contained a number of text messages relating to drug deals.

His passenger, a 35-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found to be in possession of cocaine. His mobile phone also revealed text messages relating to drug dealing.

Stephen Bird, 48, of Nursery Road, pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine and driving while disqualified. He was convicted of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and possession with intent to supply cocaine following a trial at Peterborough Crown Court.

He was jailed for a total of 44 months at Peterborough Crown Court on Friday (February 15).

A 35-year-old man who was a passenger in the car pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine, possession of cannabis and being concerned in the supply of cannabis. He was cleared of possessing cocaine with intent to supply. He was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years.

A total of £580 which was seized from the men was also ordered to be forfeited.

Pc Katie Jackson said: “Officers had been on their way to carry out a warrant at the address but stopped the Lexus, which was pulling out of the driveway.

“There was a huge amount of evidence inside the vehicle to show Bird was dealing cocaine and we’re pleased he has now been brought to justice.”