M6 motorist sentenced for transporting £80,000 cocaine haul

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 07:37 · Archive

Paul Walsh, 57, received a suspended 28-month sentence after police found £80,000 worth of cocaine in his car on the M6 near Carlisle.

Paul Walsh, 57, received a suspended 28-month sentence at Carlisle Crown Court after admitting to possessing cocaine with intent to supply.

Police stopped Walsh's Renault Scenic on 23 July between Junctions 42 and 43 of the M6 near Carlisle. Officers noted the vehicle was travelling unnecessarily in the middle lane. When questioned, Walsh initially said he had been to see his mother but changed his story and appeared nervous, prompting officers to search the car. They found 520g of cocaine and 250g of bulking agent behind the passenger seat.

Under questioning, Walsh confirmed he had been offered £300 to transport the drugs from Liverpool to Motherwell. He told officers the payment was to help clear debts accumulated through gambling addiction. The prosecution accepted his role was limited to that of a courier rather than involvement in wider drug supply operations.

A police expert valued the cocaine at up to £80,000 at street level. In mitigation, Walsh's defence noted he had no previous convictions and had worked hard as a law-abiding citizen before this offence.

How it is being reported

• Lane-hogging M6 motorist was transporting £80,000 cocaine haulPaul Walsh, 57, caught with £80,000 of cocaine on the M6 near Carlisle on July 23, has received a suspended 28-month sentence as a drug courier after court hearing.Cumberland News · 8 Oct, 07:00
• Lane-hogging M6 motorist was transporting £80,000 cocaine haulPaul Walsh, 57, caught with £80,000 of cocaine on the M6 near Carlisle on July 23, has received a suspended 28-month sentence as a drug courier after court hearing.Westmorland Gazette · 8 Oct, 07:00
• Lane-hogging M6 motorist was transporting £80,000 cocaine haulPaul Walsh, 57, caught with £80,000 of cocaine on the M6 near Carlisle on July 23, has received a suspended 28-month sentence as a drug courier after court hearing.NW Evening Mail · 8 Oct, 07:00
• Lane-hogging M6 motorist was transporting £80,000 cocaine haulPaul Walsh, 57, caught with £80,000 of cocaine on the M6 near Carlisle on July 23, has received a suspended 28-month sentence as a drug courier after court hearing.Whitehaven News · 8 Oct, 07:00

In this story: Paul Walsh · Carlisle Crown Court · M6 · Liverpool · Motherwell · Carlisle

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