A Fife couple flooded the streets with crack cocaine while running a “commercial enterprise” from their home in Kirkcaldy.
Keith Barclay and Kirsty Higgins were caught after police were tipped off that they were selling drugs from the property on Sidlaw Street in November 2017.
A search warrant was executed and officers recovered a quantity of Kinder eggs, which were used to transport the substances, among a host of other drug paraphernalia.
A mobile phone was also found which contained 55 messages from punters looking to get their hands on cocaine and crack between October and November 2017.
During the couple’s appearance at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court yesterday, depute fiscal Alex Kirk told how another raid was carried out just weeks later with more drugs and cash found.
PICTURES: Police warn of big rise in crack cocaine in Fife following drugs bust
On March 22, Barclay, 36, was caught by officers on routine patrol who noted that he appeared to be under the influence.
He was searched and found in possession of a wrap before telling officers: “It’s just a little crack.”
The following month, Barclay was observed getting into a Toyota car and was stopped by police officers.
He was detained and searched. Officers recovered £420 and a mobile phone with incoming messages from people looking to buy drugs.
Entry was then forced at the address on Sidlaw Street where Higgins, 33, was arrested after more cash and drugs were found.
The court was told officers carried out surveillance on the property during July and August, when a number of known drug users where seen arriving and leaving within minutes.
After approaching the front door, constables discovered a woman crouching at the letter box and asking for crack cocaine.
A packet was then thrown from the window of the flat. It was later found to contain foil wraps with traces of drugs on them, and the pair were arrested.
Barclay admitted two charges of supplying cocaine and diamorphine between September 2017 and August 2018.
Higgins admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine during the same period.
Sheriff James Williamson said: “You were involved in what can only be described as a commercial enterprise over a period of 12 months where you were involved in the supply of crack cocaine.”
He jailed Barclay for a period of 34 months and remanded Higgins to allow for background reports to be prepared. She will be sentenced at a later date.
Police in Fife issued a warning last year after noticing a significant rise in the amount of crack cocaine on the streets of Kirkcaldy.
The powerful drug, which is made by ‘”washing back” cocaine, causes a short-term but intense euphoric reaction which is highly addictive.
Detective Sergeant Stewart Andrew of Fife Pro-Active Team said: “Both Keith Barclay and Kirsty Higgins have been found to be heavily involved in the distribution of harmful Class A substances within Kirkcaldy.
“I would like to thank the public in providing essential intelligence that has led to the conviction of both.
“Notably, both individuals were responsible for distributing Crack Cocaine in the Kirkcaldy area and preyed on the vulnerabilities of those addicted to this substance.
“Their actions were a chronic blight on the local community and caused considerable angst to the residents of Templehall.
“The success of the investigation is a testament to the joint working between local policing, specialist departments and our partners in tackling organised crime under Op Principle.
“Drug crime will not be tolerated within the Kingdom and whenever we receive information relating to those involved in offences of this nature, we will conduct a thorough investigation.”
