Cannabis importer could face proceeds of crime action

A Bridge of Allan man who imported cannabis from abroad could be facing proceeds of crime proceedings.

Robert Alexander, of Allanvale Road, had pleaded guilty to a charge under the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979.

It stated that the 44-year-old had been knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of the prohibition on the importation of controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Alexander had also admitted a further charge of possessing the class-B drug.

The crimes had taken place at Alexander’s Bridge of Allan address on September 10, 2018.

When Alexander appeared for sentence at Stirling Sheriff Court on Wednesday, his agent Virgil Crawford told Sheriff William Gilchrist:“I had hoped it would have been dealt with on the last occasion without reports. Sheriff Collins took the view that he wished a report. Unfortunately the report is not available.”

Asked why by Sheriff Gilchrist, Mr Crawford replied that Alexander had a Spanish girlfriend in Spain. The letter to attend an appointment for the preparation of the report had arrived while Alexander was in Spain.

The lawyer pointed out however that Alexander contacted the social work department on his return to Scotland and another appointment has been arranged for the week beginning November 25 which the accused will attend, Mr Crawford added.

Fiscal depute Ashley Smith told Sheriff Gilchrist she wished to make a motion under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Mr Crawford told the court that he had known nothing about that when the matter last called and no documents had been served on his client yet.

Sheriff Gilchrist continued matters until December 18 for the criminal justice social work report and consideration of the proceeds of crime application.