Company director turned Dunbar business into secret cannabis factory

A company director turned his business into a secret cannabis factory.

David Craig, 49, became involved in the drugs trade at his home and workplace in Dunbar, East Lothian, in October 2023.

Judge Lady Haldane heard how detectives executed search warrants at Craig’s home in the town and his firm’s location on Park Avenue.

Officers raided David Craig Property Works Ltd and found that he had more than 100 “healthy and cared for” hash plants. They also found an Albanian citizen who spoke “little English” and appeared to be living and working at the premises.

Officers tasked with investigating modern slavery then interviewed the Albanian man to see if he was a victim of people trafficking gangs.

Expert law enforcement officers with knowledge of the narcotics trade believe Craig was in line to receive somewhere between £52,080 and £156,240 for the stash.

On Wednesday, prosecutor Gordon Lindhurst told Lady Haldane that a living area had been built at the cultivation.

Mr Lindhurst added: “After forcing initial entry into the living area using bolt cutters, police found [a man] within.

“He is an Albanian national who spoke little English. It appeared that he was working at the cultivation.

“When later interviewed by police via the national referral mechanism, Bakalli told police he had been working at the yard since the start of October.”

Craig pleaded guilty to producing cannabis and being involved in its supply.

The court heard that officers attended at the business address of David Craig Property Works Ltd – a search of the Companies House database reveals the firm was set up in 2017 and the accused is its sole director.

Speaking about the discovery, Mr Lindhurst told the court: “In the cultivation area, police uncovered a cannabis cultivation containing 186 plants, which appeared healthy and cared for.

“STOP officers valued the maximum yield from the cultivation being between £52,080 and £156,240 based on subdivision into one gram deals.

“Also recovered in the living room and cultivation area at the yard were a bag of vacuum bags, two grinders and a set of scales.”

Detectives also found CCTV cameras at the workplace. They recovered footage which showed Craig and other individuals at the yard.

Mr Lindhurst added: “On arrest, caution and charge on October 23, 2023, Mr Craig made no reply.

“In his subsequent police interview, he made no comment.”

Defence solicitor advocate Ewen Roy said the court would have to obtain a background report before proceeding to sentence. He asked Lady Haldane to grant his client bail.

However, Lady Haldane refused.

She said: “This is a very serious matter indeed. You will be remanded in custody.

Craig will be sentenced at the High Court in Stirling on September 23, 2025.