A MAN has was jailed for 10 years on Friday after police officers investigating a suspected burglary uncovered cocaine worth up to £2.25 million.

Glyn Brockwell, 27, was being paid £200 to act as a "runner". He shook his head in disbelief as the sentence was passed at Maidstone Crown Court.

Family and friends sitting in the public gallery, including his girlfriend who is due to give birth any day, looked visibly upset.

The court heard the day the police found the drugs haul was the first time Brockwell had been asked to act as a runner for friend Lee Selling. He, the prosecution said, was "top of the pyramid".

It was at 26-year-old’s Selling’s house in Pickering Street, Loose, that the 7.7kg of cocaine was found in February this year.

Don Ramble, prosecuting, said two officers went to the address after a report of a break-in. They saw a man, Brockwell, leaving the rear of the house with a designer bag. But when he spotted the police he went back in.

Through the kitchen window the police then saw attempts being made to either hide or throw away the drugs.

Mr Ramble said: "Both men were moving rapidly in the kitchen area. Selling was also trying to flush a number of plastic bags containing white pills down the toilet."

As well as the cocaine the haul included two sets of scales, a money counting machine and a large hydraulic press. The white tablets were in fact lactose and were to be used as a cutting agent.

Mr Ramble said the total value was between £1.5 million and £2.25 million.

Brockwell, of Ashford Road, Maidstone, at first denied any involvement with the drugs, stating he had not even seen them in the house until the police arrived.

However, during a second interview, he said he had seen the drugs but ignored them.

But Ryan Thompson, defending, told the court that while at Selling’s house Brockwell was asked to deliver the Hugo Boss bag for £200.

"It was the first time he had been involved in any kind of offence involving the drugs trade," added Mr Thompson.

Brockwell, who admitted possessing cocaine with intent to supply, was said to be “devastated and disgusted”.

Passing sentence Judge Anthony Balston said that despite his minor role the inevitable jail term had to be substantial.

"It is one based on the fact that you were a runner and not higher up in the hierarchy," he added.

Selling, who has admitted the same charge, was in court but his sentencing hearing was adjourned.