Man Sentenced as Class A Drugs Seized by Proactive Team Officers in Middlesbrough
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A man who gave police false details to conceal his identity has today been sentenced after being found in possession of class A drugs, and driving under the influence of cocaine.
47-year-old John Nicholas (pictured), of no fixed address, was spotted by Proactive Team officers around 4pm on Wednesday 19th November 2025 in a Volkswagen Passat on Emerson Avenue, Middlesbrough.
John Nicholas pictured above
As the officers passed him, he appeared to be acting suspiciously and avoided eye contact, leading to the officers becoming curious about his behaviour and stopping the vehicle.
Nicholas then gave them false details to try to conceal his identity.
He was found in possession of two mobile phones, and a kinder egg containing bags of white powder was found in the waistband of his underwear.
Nicholas, who was disqualified from driving, tested positive for being under the influence of cocaine and he was arrested.
A further search in custody led to further bags of white powder being found, which were all later confirmed to be cocaine and the total value was up to £980.
Mobile phones found in Nicholas’ possession had messages on them believed to be linked to drug activity.
He was later charged with driving whilst disqualified, no insurance, possession with intent to supply class A drugs, obstructing a constable in execution of duty and two counts of driving under the influence of drugs.
Drugs seized from John Nicholas
At Teesside Crown Court today, Thursday 21st May, he received two years imprisonment, suspended for two years.
Inspector Darren Birkett, from Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This is an excellent example of proactive policing and a great result, stemming from the officers’ professional curiosity and a simple traffic stop. Now Nicholas has been convicted and class A drugs which would have ended up on the streets of Middlesbrough have been seized.”