The discovery of a blood-stained cardboard box within a shipment of nearly half a tonne of cannabis has led to a drug dealer being jailed.

Police were notified packages of the class B drug had been found inside a storage container in Formby Road, Halling, on May 16.

Inside, officers found hundreds of vacuum-sealed bags of cannabis weighing a total of 427 kilogrammes and worth between £1.5 million and £2.5 million.

John Small, 61 of Brunswick Street, Maidstone was later arrested after forensic examiners matched his DNA to the blood on a cardboard box.

On May 21, officers spotted Small filling his Chrysler 300 at a service station in Chatham and was arrested.

After his vehicle was seized it was found to contain a further 1kg package of cannabis and £3,200 cash.

Small later pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis and possession with intent to supply cannabis and was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment at Maidstone Crown Court on July 17.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Aaron Chapman said: “John Small was clearly part of an organised criminal network involved in the supply of cannabis on an industrial scale.

“The blood stain he left at the storage container coupled with the drugs and cash found in his car were such compelling evidence that he was left with little choice but to admit the offences he had committed.”