Overview
- Mark McAvoy, 39, was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court on February 19 after admitting possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and possessing criminal property.
- Officers stopped his Vauxhall Insignia on December 31, 2025, between junctions 39 and 40 of the M6 near Shap/Carlisle following a defect check and signs of nervousness.
- A search found ten wrapped bricks and two bags of cocaine totaling about 11.5 kilograms, plus 37 grams of heroin and a wallet containing £855 in cash, with the cocaine valued around £800,000.
- McAvoy told the court he acted as a courier to deliver the drugs to Paisley for a £1,000 payment, with his defence citing financial pressure and unemployment.
- Detective Constable Hugh Poward highlighted the seizure as a result of routine road policing and urged the public to report suspected supply, including via Crimestoppers.