Police seized cocaine worth more than £30,000 from a drug dealing delivery driver after stopping his car.
John Stewart claimed he thought there was only money in the package under the driver’s seat of his Honda Civic.
The 41-year-old told police he had inherited a drug debt after a former associate fled the country.
Officers had been following Stewart on the B966 Trinity road, Brechin, before pulling over his car and finding the drugs.
It was revealed the 302.69g of cocaine uncovered had a maximum potential street value of £30,200.
Stewart was remanded in custody after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis and cocaine.
Cash and drugs found in car
Dundee Sheriff Court was told how he told police about the package under the seat.
Fiscal depute Lora Apostolova said: “A cursory search found an Asda carrier bag with cash and white powder suspected to be controlled substances.
“Officers later obtained a search warrant for the accused’s home on Montrose Street, Brechin but no items were recovered.
“Two hundred and twenty pounds was seized from a handbag.
“The accused was interviewed and said he was a delivery driver for a takeaway in Arbroath.
“The accused appeared surprised at the value of the cocaine and stated ‘that’s mental, that’s crazy’.”
When he was asked about the drugs in the package, Stewart said: “I didn’t know any drugs were in there,” before stating he thought money was in the package.
Stewart claimed he had been threatened after inheriting the drug debt from his associate.
Phone search
A search of Stewart’s phone found that he was actively involved in the sale of cannabis through an email address.
Slang words for cannabis were frequently used, as well as referring to the sale of a kilo of the Class B drug for £5,300.
Stewart, of Bruce Road, Arbroath, pled guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis on the B966 Trinity road, Brechin and elsewhere between December 24 2018 and April 29 2020.
He admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine on April 29.
Sheriff Gregor Murray deferred sentence on Stewart, currently on remand at HMP Perth, for social work reports to be prepared.
He will return to the dock in September.
