A former Maidstone United footballer has been jailed for importing £10k of “laughing gas” and selling it.

Jamar Loza, who appeared for the Stones 63 times between 2016 and 2019, had boasted he was “making so much money he didn’t know what to do with it”, a court heard.

He was arrested twice, just over a week apart in 2022, when he was found with nitrous oxide canisters after being pulled over in his Mercedes while in Norwich.

The 31-year-old was released after the first police interview but detained for a second time just eight days later.

Loza, of Lapwing Drive in Costessey, Norfolk, scored 10 times for Maidstone United and was capped four times by Jamaica.

He appeared at Norwich Crown Court where he was jailed for 28 months by Recorder Ruth Brander who detailed how he was “sourcing and supplying” the recreational drug between London and Norfolk.

The court heard he even employed two drivers to help him do deliveries, the Southend Echo reports.

Recorder Brander added: "It's clear you were directing, buying and selling on a commercial scale.”

Loza’s defence barrister, John Hurlock, said the offences took place more than three years ago and Loza pleaded guilty more than two years ago.

He said Loza was not just of previous good character but had been of "positive" good character and was now making "positive steps".

At an earlier hearing, a character reference from former Norwich City player, Darren Eadie, described Loza as a "really good role model" who had helped teach young players "how to conduct themselves on and off the pitch".

Also appearing in court was co-defendant Lydia Punchard, 25, of Church Street, Briston, who was found guilty of one count of supplying nitrous oxide.

She received a six-month prison sentence, suspended for a year, and ordered to carry out 10 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR).