A man has been jailed for a year after being caught with a £12,000 cannabis stash.
Colin Bremner told police he was looking after bars of the drug for a friend, but refused to name the man and was told by a sheriff yesterday that a firm marker had to be put down against drugs offences at such a level.
Bremner, 40, of Brothock Way, Arbroath, appeared before Sheriff Kevin Veal at Forfar on Thursday where he admitted an indictment of being concerned in the supply of cannabis resin at an address on Brechin Road, Arbroath, last April.
Depute fiscal Hannah Kennedy said Bremner was at home with his parents when police, acting on a tip-off, executed a search warrant and uncovered several bars of cannabis, each weighing around 250 grammes.
The total value of the haul was put at between £8,110 and £12,160.
Defence agent Bob Bruce said shotblaster Bremner was “thoroughly ashamed” by the offence.
“He did have a drug issue and is on a methadone prescription of 40mls. He has never had a custodial sentence.
“He was asked by a friend to keep the cannabis at his home for one night as a favour, he had no idea of the quantity and was genuinely surprised when he was advised of the quantity by the police.
“He was working at the time, making good money and advises me that there was no reward he was doing it as a favour.”
Mr Bruce said Bremner had never been in custody and performs a carer’s role for his mother.
“He is not a stupid man but this was a grave error of judgment,” the solicitor added.
Sentencing Bremner, Sheriff Kevin Veal said: “The problem here is that the value of the drugs is between £8,000 and £12,000 when sold in the public domain and that is clearly a very significant quantum.
“Those involved at this level must realise that they will face very severe penalties.
“This sort of conduct must be discouraged and there must be a deterrent aspect for such offences,” he said.