Man jailed as drugs found wrapped in sock within steering wheel

A man has been jailed after officers found drugs, hidden in sock, concealed within the steering wheel of a car he was driving in Tamworth.

Basta Basha, aged 24, of Brighton, appeared at Stafford Crown Court on Friday (20 February) where he was sentenced to two years in prison after admitting possession with intent to supply class A drugs, cocaine; possession of criminal property; and driving without a licence or insurance.

Basha had been spotted driving in a suspicious manner in the Two Gates area of Tamworth in January.

Officers stopped the vehicle and carried out a search.

Four snap bags of cocaine were seized from the car, having been stuffed in a black sock, hidden within the steering wheel column.

Cash and a mobile phone were also seized, along with the vehicle.

Alongside his custodial sentence, Basha was also order to pay a surcharge, forfeit the seized cash and his driving licence was endorsed.

Speaking following sentencing, Superintendent Victoria Downing, of our major and organised crime department, said: “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.”