Dundee dealer had text message orders on his phone when caught

A drug dealer faces years behind bars despite being caught with just £90-worth of cocaine because he kept more than a year’s worth of text message orders on his phone.

Detectives caught Mark Petticrew with a small amount of the drug but realised he had been dealing to numerous other people when they confiscated and searched his mobile phone.

He and fellow dealer Daniel Weir were warned yesterday they are almost certain to face prison sentences after they admitted involvement in the drugs trade.

Petticrew, 26, of Bowbridge Place, Dundee, admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine in Dundee and on the A90 near Glencarse between October 24 2017 and January this year.

Weir, 28, of Balunie Drive, Dundee, admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis on the A90 northbound on January 21.

Perth Sheriff Court was told the cannabis had a street value of nearly £10,000.

Depute fiscal Eilidh Robertson said: “The cannabis had a maximum potential street value of £9,950. There was just under a kilo.

“In relation to the cocaine it is slightly trickier because the value was only between £90 and £180.

“There were a lot of text messages. The supply charge is based on those text messages as opposed to anything else.”

Sheriff Gillian Wade said: “The disposal at the forefront of my mind is a custodial one.

“It is unlikely you will avoid a custodial sentence. When you supply Class A drugs, you can expect custody.”

She deferred sentence for reports and both accused were granted bail.