POLICE have appealed for help to trace a man accused of being involved in the supply of cocaine in the North-East.

Michael Geoffrey Branson has failed to appear in court since he was granted bail at his first hearing, the day after his arrest, last February.

He was detained after he was pulled over by traffic police for allegedly speeding as he travelled northbound on the A19, near Hutton Henry, County Durham, on February 19. A search of the Transit type van revealed a large amount of cocaine under the driver’s seat.

It was subsequently found to be 83 per cent pure and was said to be valued at about £360,000.

Mr Branson was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to supply and conspiracy to supply the class A drug.

But, having been bailed by Peterlee magistrates on February 20, he failed to appear at subsequent court hearings and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

The 37-year-old self-employed builder/plasterer, from Tyne View, Hebburn, South Tyneside, is said to be originally from Hertfordshire, and has a southern accent.

He is white, 5ft 8in, of medium build, with grey cropped hair, and, at the time of his arrest, had a beard.

He has tribal design tattoos on both of his arms, with the name Trisha and a devil on his back, while he also has a dragon motif on his left leg.

He is one of four men charged in relation to the alleged supply of cocaine in the North-East.

Two co-accused are to go on trial at Durham Crown Court later this year.

Anyone with information about Mr Branson’s whereabouts is asked to call Durham Police, on 0345-60 60 365, or Crimestoppers, on 0800-555-111.