A man caught selling drugs in Maldon has been jailed for more than two years after officers discovered he discarded a large quantity of cocaine in a bid to evade arrest.

22-year-old Leon Perseku, of Gilders Drive, Hornchurch, was arrested on April 3 this year, after officers identified a black Volkswagen Golf, which was linked to drug dealing in the area, driving along Lawling Avenue in Maldon.

As officers pulled the car over they saw the driver – who was the only person inside – looking down at his lap and fiddling with something in his right hand.

They also witnessed the man pick something up from the centre console and throw it out of the open passenger window.

This was later identified to be a large quantity, 13 wraps, of cocaine.

When carrying out a search they also found a wallet with more than £1,100 inside.

Perseku was charged with possession with intent to supply a Class A drug, driving without insurance, and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

He admitted the offences at Chelmsford Crown Court on May 3, and at the same court on 11 June was sentenced to two years and one month in prison.

Sergeant Matt Dalby, from the Maldon Town Centre Team, said: "This result shows the impact positive, proactive, and intelligence-led policing has in putting criminals behind bars.

"We will not tolerate people coming to Essex to sell drugs. Our work here in Maldon, and across the county, has seen drug offences reduce while we're also making a significant number of arrests and securing a significant number of charges.

"This case also highlights the value of information being reported to us.

"If you have information about something taking place where you live then tell us about it – it may not result in you seeing activity immediately but it's so important in helping us build a picture of what's taking place which allows us to take positive action at another time."