A repeat offender has been jailed for his role in the sale and supply of drugs in the north-east.
Gary Lawson, of Mintlaw, was imprisoned by the High Court in Glasgow yesterday after officers raided his home earlier this year.
They found diamorphine and crack cocaine with a street value of £6,400 stashed within his home.
And now, Lawson, who was only released back into the public in 2016 after a previous conviction for drug offences, has been sent back to prison for five years and seven months.
Last night, his sentence was hailed by police in the community.
Detective Inspector Stuart McAdam, who led the investigation in February, said Lawson believed he was above the law.
He added: “In February, intelligence was received that he was involved in the sale and supply of controlled drugs once again.
“So CID Proactive with support from the operational support unit and dog unit executed a warrant at the property where he was based.
“A substantial amount of drugs and cash were recovered, which Lawson had tried to conceal unsuccessfully.
“I welcome today’s sentence and hope it sends a clear message to anyone who chooses to involve themselves with illegal substances that you will be caught, you will be charged and you will be taken to court.
“Thankfully, our proactive enforcement on this occasion intercepted a considerable amount of drugs which were bound for the streets of Buchan.
“It goes without saying that the misery drugs bring to local communities cannot be underestimated and such criminal behaviour will not be tolerated.”
Following Lawson’s sentencing, the police have pledged to continue with efforts to make the region “hostile” for drug dealers.
Anyone with information or concerns about suspicious activity in their community is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if they wish to remain anonymous.
During the search of his home, Lawson had tried to conceal the drugs as well as £2,000 in cash.
