A 32-year-old man has been sentenced to over three years in prison after being caught with a significant quantity of heroin in a taxi in Coventry.
Keren Kumar was in the back of a Toyota Prius when it was stopped by police on Jimmy Hill Way on 4 November last year. During a roadside search, officers discovered a small amount of heroin concealed in a piece of paper inside his sock.
Further investigation led police to an Asda bag near where Kumar had been sitting, which contained a zipper bag holding just over 1kg of heroin. The drugs had an estimated street value of up to £23,000.
Despite initially denying any knowledge of the substances, Kumar later pleaded guilty to possession of heroin with intent to supply.
Appearing at Birmingham Crown Court on 25 April, Kumar, of no fixed address, was sentenced to three years and six months in prison.
The case was investigated by the West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCUWM) as part of Operation Target, an ongoing initiative to combat serious and organised crime across the region.
A police spokesperson said: *”Operation Target is our 24/7 mission to disrupt and bring to justice those involved in drugs, firearms, money laundering, and exploitation. This sentencing demonstrates our commitment to tackling organised crime and keeping our communities safe.”*
Authorities continue to urge the public to report any suspicious activity as part of efforts to crack down on drug-related offenses.