POLICE were suspicious when an unemployed man caught in possession of cocaine and cannabis was found to have over a £1,000 in cash in his pocket.

Blackburn magistrates heard Anass Mohammed Ouabdelmoumen claimed he had won the money at a casino a few days earlier.

And his explanations was eventually accepted by police when details of his account at the casino were provided.

Ouabdelmoumen, 22, of Oak Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine and cannabis.

He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with a requirement of 170 hours’ unpaid work.

He was ordered to pay £85 costs and £85 victim surcharge.

Enza Geldard, prosecuting, said police saw a car speeding on the A59 near Clitheroe in the early hours of Christmas Day. When the car was stopped the officers saw a cannabis grinder in the vehicle.

They told the defendant, who was a front-seat passenger, he was going to be searched and he handed over a tub containing cannabis.

A strip search was authorised at the police station and as Ouabdelmoumen removed his boxer shorts a plastic bag containing individual wraps of cocaine fell out.

Ghaffer Khan, defending, said police suspicions about supplying drugs were understandable.

“He provided details of his account at the casino and the police have accepted his explanation and will return the money on the conclusion of this case,” said Mr Khan.

“The drugs were for his own use.”