Man jailed after being caught with heroin on the M4

A man caught with a stash of drugs on the M4 has been jailed. 

John Allen, aged 50, from Buttmarsh Close, Greenwich, was arrested and charged in December last year after officers were provided with information to keep a vehicle under surveillance. 

The Nissan Qashqai was being driven eastbound along the M4 on December 18.

When it pulled into the Reading Eastbound Services, officers spoke to the occupants and a search of the car revealed a loose panel on the passenger side.

Behind this panel was a package containing a quarter of a kilogram of heroin. Allen, who was driving the car, was arrested and charged the same day for possession with intent to supply a class A drug.

Allen pleaded guilty at Reading Crown Court on June 26 and was sentenced to four years imprisonment.

Investigating officer, PC Nigel Woodall of Newbury CID said: “I am happy with the sentence that was given by the Judge on 26 June, even more so considering that Mr Allen only had one previous conviction.

"The couriering and sale of illegal drugs is a serious offence, and this sentence should send the message loud and clear – if you are involved in these offences in the Berkshire area, you can expect the Courts to send you to prison."