Man jailed after £12K cannabis haul discovered in vehicle stop
Driver caught in Lowestoft found guilty of drug supply offences after four-year investigation
A man has been jailed after being caught with nearly £12,000 worth of cannabis during a vehicle stop in Lowestoft in 2019.
Irmantas Kavaliauskas, 36, of no fixed address, was found guilty at Ipswich Crown Court on 17 September of possessing a Class B drug with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of a Class B drug. He was sentenced the following day to 18 months in prison.
The case dates back to October 2019, when officers stopped a vehicle on Whapload Road. As police approached, the driver discarded a bag later confirmed to contain 1.5kg of cannabis, with an estimated street value of £11,880.
Kavaliauskas initially gave a false name but was identified via fingerprint scanning. He was found to be disqualified from driving and in breach of UK immigration laws.
Inside the vehicle, officers discovered additional cannabis and multiple mobile phones. Kavaliauskas tested positive for cannabis and cocaine, and admitted ownership of some of the drugs.
Forensic analysis linked him to the discarded cannabis through fingerprints, while digital evidence connected him to two of the seized phones.
Sergeant Chris Smy, who led the investigation, said:
“Drug offences have a catastrophic impact on our communities and we are dedicated to ensuring they are dealt with vigorously, regardless of how much time has passed.
This case also included serious immigration violations, with five people deported in total, which we take equally seriously and continue to investigate.
Despite the challenges caused by the delay, justice was served thanks to the dedication of our officers and the Crown Prosecution Service.”
The case was brought to court following work by Suffolk Police’s Response, Sentinel, and RAPT teams, along with support from Criminal Justice Services and forensic investigators.