A drug addict caught with a large amount of cocaine in his car knew he was in serious trouble when he asked police: “What’s the going rate for two kilos?”

Nicholas Bubb also acknowledged: “I am going away for a long time.”

The 25-year-old, of Esparto Way, South Darenth, could face up to 10 years in jail for possession with intent to supply.

Bubb was stopped on the A249 near Sittingbourne on June 23 and two kilos of high purity cocaine worth about £240,000 found in his car.

Nina Ellin, prosecuting, told Maidstone Crown Court the two blocks of the drug were of 94% and 90% purity.

It led Judge Philip Statman to comment: “That is very close to the source.”

Bubb said the package, which was wrapped in a towel, was nothing to do with his girlfriend, who was also in the car.

He told police he was acting as a courier to pay off a drug debt. He was in possession of it for just 15 minutes.

Bubb wept when he appeared by TV link with Elmley Prison, Sheppey, and admitted the offence.

Jodie Mole, defending, said a psychological report was being prepared.

Adjourning sentence until August 23, Judge Statman said: “He has come to court and had the courage to plead guilty immediately. I have got to pass a substantial prison sentence.

“I have to think about this a great deal before dealing with sentence. It needs reflection.”

The judge told Bubb: “I need to know about your state of mind and welfare and what has led to this offence being committed.”