Man’s shock at half a million drugs find after flats fire

A Perth resident has spoke of his shock at half a million pounds worth of cocaine being uncovered in the aftermath of a serious blaze in his block of flats.

The High Court in Glasgow heard the large stash was found following a major fire at Pomarium Flats on December 22 last year.

Seven fire crews were sent to the Pomarium Street building after flames broke out in the ground floor bin store, with around 30 residents fleeing their homes.

Police investigating the deliberate blaze say a huge haul of drugs was uncovered in one of the properties.

They were traced back to a Calum Menzies (37) who, via videolink, admitted at being concerned in the supply of cocaine and was jailed for four years and eight months, with a three-year serious crime prevention order after he is released.

After the court sentencing, the resident said:“We were surprised when it happened to be honest.

“It might have been that someone set up the fire so that the drugs could be found. But my kids are still terrified of coming here. They are only eight and nine years old.”

Emergency services have been called out to the flats multiple times this year, which accelerated during lockdown.

The PA reported several residents coming forward in May saying they were living in fear and pleading for further measures to keep them safe.

“We had the fire brigade the other night and they were checking the building,”they added.“It is better for fire safety as they took the bin shoots away and moved the bins outside. You still get the usual rigmarole but it has been better.”

An external security system was installed while other measures including more sprinklers and smoke detectors were also considered.

Extra CCTV was also fitted in March with council-supplied security regularly attending the area.