Falkirk court hears student drug dealer's agony over ecstasy arrest

Appearing at Falkirk Sheriff Court yesterday, Leon Chiwara (20) admitted being concerned in the supply of the class A drug in Main Street, Linlithgow on May 30, 2019.

Procurator fiscal depute Amy Sneddon said: “It was 7.15pm and police officers were travelling in an unmarked police vehicle when they saw a black Corsa in front of them which they could smell cannabis coming from.

"The vehicle was pulled over and the accused was detained under the misuse of drugs act. A search of the vehicle was carried out which recovered a wash bag containing scales.

“There were also self seal bags on the floor behind the driver’s seat which contained a crystal substance and a white powder.”

Both of the substances were later tested and found to be MDMA, also known as ecstasy, worth a total street value of £1600.

Gordon Addison, defence solicitor, stated in years gone by Chiwara would have found himself going to prison for a long time, but added “MDMA is very last year”.

Mr Addison said Chiwara, who worked nights at Lidl, was studying for a degree in telecommunications and international relations.

"I don’t expect we will see him again,” he said. “This lad has learned his lesson.”

Sheriff Derek Livingston said: “You were selling class A drugs. My initial thought was a prison sentence, but you appear to have a good future in front of you and no previous convictions.”

Chiwara, 44 Curlew Brae, Livingston, was fined £1200 to be paid back at a rate of £150 per month.