A drug dealer who was caught with nearly £50,000 worth of cocaine and cannabis in his Glasgow flat later claimed to be paying off a debt.
William Shepperd was running a cannabis farm from the flat in Easterhouse when he was snared by police officers executing a warrant last November.
Glasgow Sheriff Court heard the 36-year-old was stopped by officers in a car who were on their way to carry out the warrant.
Prosecutor Lauren Staunton said the “smell of cannabis was clear” as the officers later entered the flat.
A clear box containing a white block was recovered from the kitchen along with other drug paraphernalia.
Two bedrooms were found to have a tent containing cannabis plants, cultivation equipment as well as another clear box with white blocks inside.
The drugs, including 54 plants, and £250 from Shepperd’s wallet were taken from the flat.
The delivery driver dad-of-five was arrested and confessed, when quizzed, to owning the drugs.
Ms Staunton added: “He stated the drugs were for his own personal consumption and denied being involved in the supply of drugs.”
The total value of the cannabis was £27,000 while the white powder, found to be cocaine, totalled up to £22,000.
On Friday Shepperd pleaded guilty to producing cannabis and supplying cocaine.
Des Ziolo, defending, said: “He was storing the drugs to pay off the debt he accrued.
“He is under no illusions of the gravity and severity of the circumstances.”
Sentence was deferred until next month for background reports by Sheriff Joan Kerr who remanded Shepperd in custody meantime.
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