Two drug dealers caught red-handed carrying out a handover of almost £80,000 worth of illegal substances in a layby have been jailed for a total of seven years.
Ryan Donaldson was under surveillance by police when he left his home on Dundee’s Wedderburn Street to drive to meet with Hamish Grant on a rural road north of the city.
He was spotted handing over a holdall to Grant, who then drove away on to the A90 where he was stopped shortly after.
Fiscal depute Charmaine Gilmartin told the sheriff court the bag was found to contain cannabis resin worth up to £57,000 and heroin with a potential street value of £23,750.
Detective Constable David Johnstone, of Police Scotland’s Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit, welcomed the sentencing.
He said: “The sentencing of Ryan Donaldson, Hamish Grant and Richard Edwards should make it clear that those who are involved in such serious offences will spend a significant amount of time behind bars.
“The sentencing reinforces the message that Serious Organised Crime has no place in our society and we will deal with those responsible swiftly and robustly.
“Information from members of the public is vital in our efforts to tackle drug crime, and as a result of their support, we have managed to recover a significant quantity of heroin, cocaine and cannabis.
“I would like to thank the public for their continued support and encourage others who have concerns to contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be passed anonymously.”
Grant, 53, of Croft Road, Elgin, and Donaldson, 46, of Arklay Place, Dundee, pleaded guilty on indictment to being concerned in the supply of cannabis resin and diamorphine.
A third man, Richard Edwards, 38, of Findale Street, Dundee, appeared on the same indictment and pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine on July 28 last year.
Sheriff Alastair Brown jailed each of the trio for three years and six months.
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