A MAN has appeared before magistrates charged with possessing cocaine worth at least £500,000 as he drove through North Yorkshire.

Kaneil Winston Henry, 24, was arrested by police after being pulled over by officers on the A19 near Knapton, north of Thirsk on Friday afternoon as he was driving north. Drugs were allegedly discovered in the car he was driving.

He is charged with possessing 12 blocks of cocaine with intent to supply others and with carrying a lock knife as an offensive weapon.

Henry, of Barrowhill Road, Cheetwood, Manchester, appeared at York Magistrates Court on Monday. He did not enter a plea to either charge.

Magistrates sent him in custody to Teesside Crown Court in Middlesbrough, where he will appear on March 5 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Henry only spoke to confirm his name, age, address and his nationality.

He was represented by Peter Minnikin during the hearing.