Defendant took his drugs supply into the dock

Waqas Khan, 24, of Beech Road, Luton, was on trial for conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin, following a Bedfordshire Police investigation into a large scale drugs operation being run by an organised crime group in Luton.

During the initial trial, a bag that Khan had with him in the dock was found to contain a large quantity of cocaine and he was charged with a single offence of possession with intent to supply a class A drug.

Although Khan was acquitted of the original charges during the initial trial, he will face 21 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to the subsequent charge.

Detective Inspector Paul Baron said: “To turn up in the dock with class A drugs on him shows a complete and utter disregard to the law. Khan’s actions were beyond belief and I’m pleased that he will face a custodial sentence – showing that he is not in fact above the law.

“Cocaine has a hugely damaging impact on people’s lives – even causing death in some cases, so it’s absolutely vital that those who supply such dangerous drugs are caught and brought to justice.”

Two men who were on trial at the same time as Khan were found guilty and sentenced to 29 years in jail.

Five other men pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin and were sentenced to a total of 23 years in jail.

An eighth man pleaded guilty to the same offences and awaits sentencing.