Tip-off led to drug dealer’s arrest

A tip-off about a drug dealer named John who drove a red car led to police seizing cocaine and cannabis worth thousands of pounds.

Officers searched John Nolan’s home after spotting his Vauxhall Adam in Strathaven.

Nolan, now of Craigbank Street, Larkhall, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.

The 24-year-old admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis at his then home in Dunlop Street, Strathaven, on April 11 last year.

Alice Carey, prosecuting, told the court: “Police received information that a man named John, who drove a red Vauxhall Adam, was concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.

“They duly stopped such a car on Common Green, Strathaven, and noticed a strong smell of cannabis inside the vehicle.

“The accused Nolan was detained for a drugs search and told the officers he had nothing with him, but there were drugs in his home.

“A search warrant was obtained for the house and 42g of cocaine, with an approximate street value of £1680, was found.

“Officers also recovered 260g of cannabis. Nolan told them he sold 1g of cannabis for £12.50, making the total worth £3250.”

Defence agent Tom Watters said Nolan, who has no previous convictions, had complied with bail conditions since being released last year.

Sheriff Ray Small deferred sentence until January for a criminal justice social work report and an electronic tagging assessment.

He told Nolan: “Given the quantities involved and the fact you are a first offender, I want background information before deciding how to deal with you.”

Nolan had his bail continued.