A COUPLE were each involved in a commercial cannabis dealing operation which saw cash payments of up to £140,000 going through a PayPal account, a court heard.

Bolton Crown Court was told Ian and Sarah Taylor were found with bags filled with the drug, cannabis extract and smaller quantities of cocaine and ecstasy after their car was stopped on the M6.

Police initially earched their car after noticing the smell of cannabis, say prosecutors,

And when they found several bags containing vegetable matter they turned their attentions to their home in Dorning Street, Tyldesley, and a unit operated by Sarah Taylor on Chanters industril estate.

Alison Mather, prosecuting, said officers found cannabis, MDMA and cocaine at the couple's home, alongside shrink wrap machinery, scales and a tick sheet, giving details of their customers. Similar finds were made at the unit.

One discovery at the home was 14 litres of THC, the cannabis extract, stored in containers, the court heard.

Ms Mather said a police financial investigator had gained access to the Taylors' bank records and uncovered a PayPal account, which had seen payments totalling £140,000 processed between August 2017 and December 2018.

Ian Taylor admitted to possession with intent to supply cannabis and THC, and being concerned in the supply of MDMA and cocaine. He was jailed for five years and three months.

Sarah Taylor pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis and THC. She was given an eight-month suspended prison term.

Andrew Costello, for Ian Taylor, said the PayPal account was also used in connection with his wife's legitimate skincare business.

The defendant had racked up debts with dealers and had ended up dealing in cannabis to repay what he owed, he added.

Kevin Lister, for Sarah Taylor, said: "Mrs Taylor's role was far removed than his."

Passing sentence, Recorder Michael Blakey said: "The pedalling of drugs causes all kinds of problems in society."

Mr Recorder Blakey said he accepted Sarah Taylor had been "naive" in her actions.