DOZENS of bags of cocaine were found hidden inside cigarette cartons after a police stop in Billericay, Essex Police says.

A 22-year-old man from Harlow has been charged and remanded in custody after a large quantity of drugs were found inside a car in the town.

He will remain in custody for the next available court date, charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession of cannabis, driving otherwise in accordance with a licence and driving with no insurance.

Search - Bags of cocaine seized by policeSearch - Bags of suspected cocaine seized by police (Image: Essex Police)

A man was identified in a vehicle on Noak Hill Road by an officer from Basildon's community policing team, who used stop and search powers to detain and search him and his vehicle.

In the vehicle, Essex Police says officers found 45 bags of cocaine hidden inside cigarette cartons, and a further bag of cannabis, as well as a large amount of cash.

Seized - police also found a further bag of cannabis and a large amount of cashSeized - police also found a further bag of cannabis and a large amount of cash (Image: Essex Police)

The male was found to not to have a driving license or any valid insurance. His vehicle, phone and all cash in the vehicle have all been seized.

An Essex Police spokesman added: "When people believed to be dealing drugs are found police will act swiftly to put those responsible before the courts."