CHESHIRE: M6 driver caught with drugs and arsenal of weapons is jailed

Robert Prior was stopped by Cheshire Police at around 1.20pm on Friday, May 19, while travelling southbound on the motorway between junction 19 for Knutsford and 18 for Middlewich.

Officers had been alerted to the 42-year-old's Nissan Navara pick-up, which had previously been linked to drug supply.

A subsequent search of the vehicle unveiled half a kilo of cocaine, estimated to have a street value between £17,000 and £20,000, an axe, a machete and a metal knuckle-duster.

The weapons and drugs were seized and Prior, of Park Lane, Portsmouth, was arrested on suspicion of possessing offensive weapons, blades, and class A drugs with intent to supply.

The items and weapons found in Robert Prior's vehicle (Image: Cheshire Police)

After pleading guilty to all charges, Prior returned to Chester Crown Court today (November 29) where he was jailed for five years, six months.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Caitlin Slatford, of Crewe CID, said: “Thanks to a simple stop check, drugs and weapons have been seized and a dangerous man is now behind bars.

“The impact that illegal drugs have on our communities cannot be underestimated which is why we will not stop with our efforts to make Cheshire a hostile environment for criminals.

“I hope this result sends out a strong warning to other offenders that if you come to Cheshire to commit crime, you will be caught and you will be brought to justice.”

The knuckle-duster found in Prior's pick-up (Image: Cheshire Police)

Anyone with information about illegal drug activity in their area can report it to Cheshire Police via cheshire.police.uk/tell-us or report it to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.