A drug dealer caught with £800,000 worth of cocaine in the boot of his car has been sentenced to 12 years in jail.

Islington Gazette: The drugs found in the boot of Dunford's car. Picture: Met PoliceThe drugs found in the boot of Dunford's car. Picture: Met Police (Image: met)

Officers from the violent crime taskforce driving two unmarked police vehicles were carrying out a routine stop and search patrol when they stopped a car being driven by William Dunford, 24, of York Way, Islington.

A search uncovered 26kg of cocaine hidden in the boot.

Dunford was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Thursday after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of a class A drug.

Insp Peter Moxham said: “This sentencing is the result of a routine stop and search carried out by officers on patrol. These take place every day, across London.

“A result like this demonstrates how effective the tactic can be when preventing criminals involved in drug dealing and other criminality, including carrying offensive weapons.

“A 12-year sentence has now been handed out to an individual who clearly thought he would not be caught by police.

“I would like this case to act as a warning to anyone who thinks they can get away with drug dealing.”