A small-scale cannabis farmer’s cultivation was uncovered by drugs officers after he was reported behaving strangely near Forfar care home in the early hours of the morning.
Kevin Hill was stopped by officers at about 1.30am after police received a report of someone trying vehicle doors in the grounds of the town’s Finavon Court on April 22 last year.
The 36-year-old was found walking in nearby North Street and three officers who had rushed to the scene detected a strong smell of the class-B drug coming from him.
When they told Hill he was being detained, a search of the accused led to the discovery of a bag containing herbal substances and a tobacco pouch and grinder.
Forfar Sheriff Court heard the arrest then led to the discovery of cannabis plants and growing equipment at his house in Montrose Road.
Appearing before Sheriff Gregor Murray, Hill pleaded guilty to producing cannabis between September 13 2013 and April 22 2014 and possessing the drug.
The court was presented with a narrative, which indicated that due to the discovery of the items on Hill, he was asked if he would allow a search of his home and gave permission for that to take place.
In the living room of the property, officers found what they believed to be herbal cannabis and cannabis seeds lying on the floor and they heard the sound of an air flow fan coming from another room. There they discovered three cannabis plants.
When cautioned by police, Hill replied: “It’s drugs and it’s a cultivation.”
A full search of the house uncovered a range of items including other plants, growing and ventilation equipment, fans and lighting units. Hill, who has no previous convictions, told officers he had three plants for his own use and smoked about six joints a day.
He said he had been growing the drug since September 2013, having bought cannabis seeds off the internet but had no involvement in selling.
Sheriff Gregor Murray granted a Crown motion for forfeiture of the items recovered from the search of Hill’s home and deferred sentence on the accused until February 12 for the preparation of a criminal justice social work report.