A man who sought to supply Class A drugs in Carlisle has been jailed after being caught with £27,000 worth of cocaine.

Antouel Margariti, 38, of London but previously of Carlisle was sentenced on August 11, at Carlisle Crown Court after admitting a charge of possession with intent to supply cocaine.

Margariti came to the attention of officers within the Constabulary’s Community Serious Organised Crime Unit and officers swooped in and arrested him as he returned to his vehicle outside Greggs in Eastern Way on the morning of July 10, 2026.

Following the arrest, officers carried out a search at Margariti’s home address in Carlisle, where they recovered a significant amount of cocaine, along with other items including scales and packaging from Margariti’s bedroom.

An assessment of the cocaine recovered from the address placed a value of more than £27,000 on the drugs found.

A forensic search of Margariti’ s phone uncovered messages offering cocaine for sale, along with a list of people who owed him money.

In his police interview, Margariti refused to comment beyond an initial statement in which he told police ‘I am not involved in the sale or supply of drugs in any way’, before going on to deny that the drugs and other items recovered from his home belonged to him.

However, he subsequently admitted possession with intent to supply cocaine at court and was sentenced to 32 months in prison.

Detective Constable James Bowness said: “Detectives are working every day, including with partner forces, to identify individuals and groups who are involved in the possession and supply of drugs in Cumbria.

“In this instance, officers were able to act quickly to arrest an individual who would subsequently admit involvement in the supply of Class A drugs in Carlisle – resulting in a significant custodial sentence today.

“Cumbria Police will continue to target anyone who is involved in the possession and supply of Class A drugs and we encourage anyone who suspects such criminality is occurring in their community to contact us today.”

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