Man is nabbed after cop drug raid

Police recovered hash after a swoop on in Gallowhill.

Derren Fleming, 32, was caught red-handed after cops searched his home.

He was nabbed with three separate cannabis stashes at the property.

Fl e m i n g admitted possession during a hearing at Paisley Sheriff Court.

Prosecutor Laura Wilcox told how officers found drugs hidden in three separate piles.

She said: “A search warrant was executed at the property. “Mr Fleming was within. “Various items were seized. “Among these, was 169g of cannabis resin. It was split into three separate bags.”

Cops raided the block after intelligence revealed there would be drugs inside.

They swept the first-floor flat in Paisley’s Montgomery Avenue after a tip-off.

They found three separate bags of hash on July 11.

The drugs were seized and sent to experts at Police Scotland’s Stop Unit.

Analysts assessed the haul and valued it at £255.

Fleming appeared in the dock to admit his guilt.

He insisted the drugs were his for personal use.

Defence lawyer David Nicholson revealed his client owned up after being caught with the haul at home.

He said: “He cooperated with police during the search.

“He went even further and told officers the items belonged to him.

“He’s presently unemployed.

“He has a record – that is accepted.

“His last conviction was for an offence in 2015. He had the items for his own personal use. He would be in a position to make financial reparations.”

Fleming had originally been charged with intent to supply the drug.

But the claim was dropped by prosecutors.

Sheriff Tom McCartney ordered him to cough- up after the find.

He said: “In respect of this offence, I impose a fine of £ 450. It has been reduced from £500 because of your early plea.”