Raid on Grangemouth sports pavilion uncovers almost £300,000 of class A drugs

Roofer Craig Bell (36), Moriston Court, Grangemouth, might not have been the “directing mind” in the substantial drug supply operation but he was a link in the chain.

Appearing for sentence at the High Court in Edinburgh earlier today, Bell had admitted being concerned in the supply of heroin and cocaine on May 31 last year.

The court heard at the time of the offence Bell had entered into negotiations with Falkirk Council for the use of the sports premises in the town's Zetland Park.

Advocate depute Jane Farquharson QC said police obtained search warrants for the pavilion and Bell's Citreon car after receiving intelligence he may be involved in drug supply.

The prosecutor said officers traced him to the park pavilion and detained him on May 31 last year, finding him in possession of £380 in cash, 10 wraps of cocaine –which was up to 75 percent pure – and two mobile phones.

They gained access to the pavilion using a key Bell also had in his possession and began a search.

Miss Farquharson said: “From various parts within the premises police seized a variety of items that showed the accused's concern in the supply of cocaine and heroin.

“This included bags of powder, scales, knives and bags with traces of controlled drugs along with large quantities of other known adulterants, paracetamol, caffeine and benzocaine.”

Quantities of drugs were found in secure boxes with Bell's DNA and fingerprints on the boxes and their padlocks and on packaging for the narcotics and the adulterants used to bulk them out for sale.

More cocaine was also found in a storage area beneath the glove box in his car.

The prosecutor said 746 grams of cocaine was seized by police, ranging in purity from 54 to 88 per cent which was worth £74,600.

A further 130 grams of heroin was also recovered in the police operation, the court heard.

Miss Farquharson said: "Given its high purity, an average of 51 per cent, along with the significant quantity of adulterants, this has been valued at £96,757.”

Nearly four kilos of paracetamol and caffeine were found.

Defence solicitor advocate Ian Bryce said Bell had borrowed money and was making weekly repayments, but demands for increased amounts to be repaid became unsustainable.

He said Bell was assaulted and became scared for his family and under pressure made “a very bad decision”.

Mr Bryce said: “In terms of the valuation, he had no idea about it because he was simply storing these drugs for others.”

Judge Lord Fairley said, given the large quantity and high purity of drugs involved, he had no alternative but to impose a custodial sentence.

He sent Bell to prison for four years.