A driver caught with 36 kilos of cocaine worth up to £1.3 million has been jailed for more than 12 years after leading police on a 120mph chase across West Midlands motorways. David Sherratt was wrestled to the ground after his Peugeot lost a tyre during the high-speed pursuit.
West Midlands Police released dramatic dashcam and bodycam footage showing the moment officers deployed a stinger device to stop the fleeing vehicle. The 48-year-old was heard telling officers "Good day at the office lads" as he was arrested near Alvechurch, Worcestershire.
Massive drugs haul discovered
Officers found two Sports Direct bags in the car's boot, each containing 18kg of cocaine with an estimated wholesale value of up to £1.3 million. The discovery came after road crime team officers initially tried to pull over the Peugeot on the M5, believing it was linked to drugs activity.
Sherratt, of no fixed address, initially pulled towards the hard shoulder but then sped off southbound on the M5 before heading onto the M42. His vehicle was eventually boxed in after losing a tyre during the dangerous pursuit.
Phone messages reveal wider operation
Police said Sherratt was seen smashing his phone against the dashboard during the chase, but officers managed to recover crucial messages. The recovered data showed he had been involved in collecting a further 135kg of drugs, earning up to £200 per kilo delivered.
He was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court last Monday to 12 years and nine months in prison after admitting being concerned in the supply of cocaine, possessing the drug with intent to supply, and dangerous driving. Sherratt has 12 convictions for 19 offences dating back to 1995.
Repeat offender with lengthy record
The court heard Sherratt was previously jailed for six years in 2016 for conspiracy to supply class A drugs and received more than four years in 2020 for further drugs offences. His latest sentence reflects his significant role in drug distribution across the country.
Detective Chief Inspector Peter Cooke, of the Regional Organised Crime Unit for the West Midlands, said the recovery prevented drugs from reaching UK streets and causing "untold misery". He praised the Road Crime Team for bringing the dangerous pursuit to a safe conclusion despite the risk to other road users.
West Midlands Police's Road Crime Team uses unmarked high-performance cars and distinctive "interceptor" vehicles to target criminals involved in car key burglaries and serious organised crime. They support Operation Target, an around-the-clock mission to disrupt and arrest those involved in guns, drugs and exploitation.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
