Crosby man jailed after police seize drugs worth up to £143,560 on the M62

A Crosby man has been jailed after Merseyside Police uncovered a huge haul of drugs with an estimated street value of up to £143,560 during a stop on the M62.

Darren McDonell, 41, of Edgemoor Drive, Crosby, has been sentenced to seven years and six months in prison after pleading guilty to possessing Class A, B and C controlled drugs with intent to supply, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

The arrest happened at around 7.20pm on Tuesday 14 April 2026, when Merseyside Police Roads Policing officers stopped a white Ford Transit Connect travelling northbound on the M62 near Junction 7.

Officers immediately became suspicious after spotting a hammer in the door pocket and a large shopping bag containing what appeared to be controlled drugs. A full search of the vehicle uncovered a substantial quantity of illegal drugs, leading to McDonell’s arrest.

Forensic analysis confirmed officers had seized:

• 2.99kg of Methylmethcathinone (M CAT)

• More than 6,000 MDMA (Ecstasy) tablets

• 2,040 2CB tablets, commonly referred to as “pink cocaine”

• 2,900 Tapentadol tablets

The drugs had an estimated street value of between £71,780 and £143,560. Officers also recovered £580 in cash from the vehicle.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Stratton, from Project Medusa, said:

“McDonell thought he could conceal thousands of MDMA tablets, pink cocaine, M CAT and Tapentadol in his vehicle.”

“Our officers intercepted his vehicle as it entered Merseyside and removed this significant quantity of drugs from our streets, ultimately leading to his prosecution.”

“Drug dealing causes enormous harm to our communities. It is linked to violence, intimidation and the exploitation of vulnerable people. We remain committed to pursuing those involved in organised crime and disrupting their criminal activity.”

Project Medusa leads Merseyside Police’s response to County Lines drug networks, targeting the movement of drugs, weapons and criminal cash while safeguarding those at risk of exploitation.

If you are concerned that a young person may be being groomed or exploited by County Lines gangs, information and advice is available through the Eyes Open campaign.

Anyone with information about drug dealing or criminal activity is asked to contact Merseyside Police via social media by messaging @MerPolCC on X or the Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook, report online through the Merseyside Police website, or call 101.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always call 999.