Heroin stash and money hidden in city’s woods

Two men who turned to drug dealing after running up debts hid part of their heroin stash - along with thousands of pounds in cash - in a wooded area on the outskirts of Perth.

But police had been tipped off about their illegal activities and mounted a surveillance operation at Friarton Woods, Perth Sheriff Court was told.

Thirty-five-year-old Paul Neal and Sean Thomas (27), both now living in Liverpool, were seen at different times going to their drop point near Perth Prison - and emerging after around 20 minutes.

Detectives later searched the area and and a “distinct footprint on wet mud”led to them discovering a plastic tub containing three large wraps and almost £12,000 in cash.

Depute fiscal John Malpass said the container had been buried in the ground underneath branches.

Each of the wraps contained heroin with a street value of between £2,500 and £3,500.

Neal, who lived at one time in Perth’s Rannoch Road, was also tracked going back and forward to a flat in South William Street.

A search warrant was obtained and the city centre property was subsequently raided.

Digital scales, along with snap bags and money bags, were seized.

A plastic box, with Neal’s fingerprints on it, was also found. It contained £15,000 in mixed notes.

When Neal was confronted by officers at Friarton Woods, he claimed he was“looking for his dog.”

Mr Malpass said when his iPhone was checked, a picture of him and his co-accused was found.

Thomas was later approached by surveillance officers near a filling station in Edinburgh Road. He ran off but was pursued and apprehended. Mr Malpass said said the maximum value of the heroin recovered was £27,100. Cash totalling £30,480 was also seized.

Both men admitted being concerned in the supply of the Class A drug at Friarton Woods and the flat at South William Street between August 14 and 25, 2017. Neal was subject to two bail orders at the time. Neal also pled guilty to breaching a September 8 bail curfew, restricting him to his former Rannoch Road address between 7pm and 7am.

The court heard he had been seen in South Inch Terrace and Canal Street on October 4, 2017.

Solicitor David Holmes told the court:“They owed money and were instructed to become involved.

“Mr Neal is realistic - he knows he will be sent to custody.” No motion for bail was made on his behalf. Sheriff Lindsay Foulis deferred sentence on both men until April 18 to obtain background reports. Thomas was allowed his freedom meantime. A prosecution motion to forfeit the cash and drugs was continued until next month.