A DRUG dealer who carried �40,000 worth of cocaine in a rucksack was caught out by British Transport Police (BTP) officers who spotted him with a child train ticket.

James Hiskey, of no fixed abode, was sentenced on Friday, October 22, to three years and nine months in prison for possession with intent to supply the drug after he was arrested on the morning of Tuesday, June 8, at Shenfield Railway Station.

Basildon Crown Court heard that Hiskey, 30, was in possession of just under a kilo of the drug, which he had wrapped in pink wrapping paper and stored inside a rucksack he had with him.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Tim Keep, said that Hiskey roused the attention of plain-clothed police officers who were conducting cycle crime observations at the station.

“Hiskey was spotted acting suspiciously near to the bike racks by an officer who was on the lookout for potential bike thieves,” Det Con Keep said.

“After he moved away from the bike racks and into the station, the officer followed discreetly behind him in order to see what his next move would be.”

Hiskey proceeded to go through the barriers at the station with a child’s ticket – he was stopped, by a uniformed BTP officer at this time.

The officer, who was joined by another three colleagues who were all taking part in the operation, questioned Hiskey about why he was trying to use a child’s ticket to travel.

Det Con Keep said: “Police checks were carried out and Hiskey became more and more nervous as the officers questioned him.”

“At that point he tried to run off from them and escape, but he was tackled to the ground and arrested.”

Officers carried out a search of Hiskey’s bag and the large package of cocaine was discovered.

He was later charged with possession with intent to supply a class A Drug (cocaine) and remanded in custody.

Det Con Keep said: “A simple bike crime operation has culminated in a substantial prison term for someone who was in possession of a very large quantity of class A drugs.

“Thankfully that drug did not end up on the streets and we very much welcome the custodial sentence that has been handed down by the court.”