Nottinghamshire Police sorry for console's hidden cannabis Published duration 9 July 2012

Nottinghamshire Police have apologised for selling a games console with cannabis inside its carry case on an online auction website.

The Sony PSP and case, handed to the force as lost property, were sold for £21.50 after it had not been claimed.

Police said the items were "not thoroughly checked" before they were sent to the winning bidder.

The Bumblebee Auctions site is used by police forces to sell property seized from criminals or unclaimed goods.

A police spokesperson said in a statement: "We are glad that this has been highlighted to us by the buyer and apologise that the PSP console was not thoroughly checked before it was sent on to the auction sites' winning bidder.

"As standard practice, a number of inquiries should be carried out on any item put forward for sale, prior to it being listed.

"We will be looking into the processes that were followed in relation to this item, and speaking to officers and staff members who dealt with the item prior to it being sold, to ensure that a comprehensive search of any pocket, pouch or potential storing place is carried out and that this does not happen again."