Man charged after £200,000 of cocaine found in van on M74

A man has been charged after police seized five kilograms of cocaine from a van.

Officers stopped the Citroen Berlingo on the M74 northbound near Larkhall, South Lanarkshire, at about 11.35pm on Monday.

A search of the vehicle uncovered the class A drug, which police say has an estimated street value of about £200,000.

A 41-year-old man was arrested and charged, and he is expected to appear in court in due course.

Detective Superintendent Steven Elliott said: “This is a significant recovery that disrupts the supply of illegal drugs and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to tackling the harm they cause within our communities.

“It highlights the crucial work being carried out as part of the serious organised taskforce and the country’s serious organised crime strategy.

“We encourage anyone with information or concerns about drug-related activity in their area to contact Police Scotland on 101, or report anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”