Taxi driver had £33k in the back of his car

Undercover police operation led to drugs arrest

Police set up an undercover surveillance operation on a Perth housing estate in a bid to combat drug dealing masterminded by an organised crime gang south of the border.

A team of four officers kept watch on a string of shops in Darnhall’s Glengarry Road.

And their patience was rewarded when they later arrested a 58-yearold taxi driver - and discovered a bag containing more than £33,000 in cash in the back of his Ford Focus.

The seizure led to David Worley appearing on indictment at Perth Sheriff Court.

He admitted that on September 10, 2020, at Perth’s Glengarry Road - and the A9 south - he received “criminal property” in the form of cash - and then concealed and transferred it, contrary to the 2002 Proceeds of Crime Act.

Depute fiscal Marie Irvine told the court: “Over a period of months, intelligence was received by Police Scotland that a Liverpool-based organised crime group was concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.”

Worley was the target of the covert operation and he was identified as the driver of a vehicle travelling north on the A9, towards Perth.

The car then parked near the shops in Glengarry Road and another car - a Suzuki Swift, with two men in it - drove past the Focus.

A man in the Suzuki was “seen to acknowledge” the accused before that vehicle drove into Glenshee Terrace.

“One of the males emerged and walked towards the blue Ford Focus,” added the fiscal.

He was carrying a bag over his shoulder and was seen entering the back of the Focus.

“He exited the vehicle and was no longer in possession of the bag.”

The Ford Focus was later seen travelling south on the A9 where it was pulled over. It was again driven by the accused.

“He was detained under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act. Both he and the Ford Focus were conveyed to Falkirk.”

The vehicle was searched and a bag, identified as the same as the male was seen carrying earlier, was discovered in the rear passenger footwell.

The cash was counted and it totalled £33,440, stated the fiscal.

Solicitor David Sinclair said the accused, of Barrymore Road, Liverpool, was a first offender and had driven taxis for 26 years.

“What has occurred is a result of undue pressure being exerted on him,” he added.

“He’s a man who is quite suggestible and easily influenced.”

He had driven up from Liverpool with his son that morning.

The lawyer asked the sheriff to call for background reports and grant him his freedom while they are compiled.

“There are good grounds to rely on him to comply with their preparation and he will return to court to face sentence,” Mr Sinclair added.

Sheriff Linda Smith deferred sentence until July 28 and called for a Community Justice Social Work report and a restriction of Liberty Order assessment.

Worley was freed on bail meantime.