A MAN has been found with 42 bags of cocaine after police stopped and searched a hire vehicle.

Officers from the Specialist Enforcement Unit stopped a hire vehicle seen driving erratically near Hove Railway Station on October 13.

The vehicle was searched and 42 bags containing a white powder were found.

After tests on the powder, it was identified as cocaine.

Police say it had an estimated street value of up to £3,000.

Gjon Meli was arrested on suspicion of possessing a class A drug with intent to supply, fraud by false representation, using a motor vehicle without valid insurance, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and with obstructing a police officer.

The 34-year-old was charged with the offences and appeared before Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Friday, October 15.

Meli, of Park View, Wembley, has been remanded in custody to appear before Lewes Crown Court on November 12.