A Fife sheriff says etizolam is becoming a “very problematic” drug as she dealt with a trio of dealers.
Sheriff Krista Johnston made the observation as the latest cases involving so-called street valium were heard.
John Healy was caught with more than 61,000 etizolam pills in one instance while duo Andrew Caldow and Gareth Inglis were found with more than 7,000 tablets in another, unconnected, case.
Class-C Etizolam is becoming a common alternative to prescription diazepam but is commonly 10 times stronger and dangerous if mis-used.
Warning Healy he could be jailed, the sheriff said: “Etizolam is becoming a very problematic substance and is misused in the community, in this community, and given the quantities the court will view this as serious.”
More than 60,000 tablets found
Prosecutor Sarah Wilkinson told Dunfermline Sheriff Court police searched Healy’s home in the Dunfermline’s Bleachfield Court in November 2022 after receiving intelligence about him dealing drugs there.
After entry was forced, Healy, 51, immediately appeared at the door with an envelope containing £500 cash.
A drugs dog was used to search the property.
A large sum of cash was found in a bedroom safe, which Healy claimed was from the sale of his mother’s house.
Six separate bags each containing more than 10,000 white etizolam tablets were found in the living room.
The fiscal depute said a total of 61,159 tablets were discovered with an estimated value of £12,200.
Among further recoveries were five mobile phones, a ticklist, and three sets of scales.
Asked by police about the etizolam tablets, Healy said he was “sitting on them” for the next policeman.
Healy appeared in the dock to plead guilty to being concerned in supply of the drugs on November 4 2022.
He was bailed pending reports until sentencing on August 22.
Pair caught
Caldow, 39, of Loanhead Avenue in Lochore, and Inglis, 36, of Ballingry Road, Ballingry, admitted a charge of being concerned in the supply of etizolam at an address in Dundonald Park, Cardenden, on October 30 2020.
Ms Wilkinson told the court police searched the property and the pair were detained.
Cash was recovered from a living room sofa and a mobile phone belonging to Caldow contained messages indicating drug deals.
The fiscal said a total of 7,178 etizolam tablets were found with a potential street value of £1,600.
Caldow said the Valium belonged to him and was for personal use.
Inglis’ DNA was found on the knot of a bag and Caldow’s was found on some scales, the court heard.
Inglis’ fingerprints were found on various items including a book with notations and a ticklist.
Defence lawyer Alan Davie, representing Caldow, said his client has a record with a recent analogous conviction for diazepam resulting in an eight-month prison sentence.
The solicitor said since Caldow was released from jail in November 2021 he has avoided further offending and is not using illicit street drugs.
Defence lawyer Ian Beatson, representing Inglis, said his client has a very limited record.
Sheriff Johnston said she would defer the case to obtain background reports.
Caldow, who appeared to be slouching in the dock with his hands clasped behind his head, was told by the sheriff: “Mr Caldow, if I was allowed to take attitude into account you would be remanded in custody.”
Caldow replied saying it is “just the way I am”.
Sheriff Johnston retorted: “Well smarten up”.
Sentencing on Caldow and Inglis was deferred until August 28.
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