A Shetland man who attempted to bring £15,000 worth of cocaine through Aberdeen Railway Station was foiled by a drug dog called Hamish.
Mark Scholes, 45, was stopped by police as he arrived in the city and was found to have three packages of cocaine hidden inside an iPad box.
Scholes, who had travelled to Aberdeen from Leeds, claimed he had “never seen them before”.
His solicitor told the Aberdeen Sheriff Court that his client was being assessed for dementia and could become “confused”.
Fiscal depute Christy Ward told the court that at around 1pm on August 26 last year British Transport Police were standing on platforms five and six when the train arrived from Leeds.
Ms Ward said Scholes was walking past the constables and Hamish when the trained sniffer dog made an indication towards his suitcase.
“A search of the accused’s property was undertaken, during which an iPad box was seized,” the fiscal depute said.
“Within the box, three packages containing cocaine were found.
“At this time, the accused stated: ‘I have never seen them before’.”
Scholes was cautioned and arrested. During the police interview he admitted couriering the drugs in order to pay off a drugs debt.
A total of 193g of cocaine was recovered and it had a maximum street value of £15,500.
Scholes admitted one charge of being concerned in the supply of cocaine.
Defence agent Graham Morrison told the court that Scholes was currently undergoing a medical examination to determine if he suffers from dementia.
He added: “His memory is very confused.”
Sheriff Morag McLaughlin deferred sentence on Scholes, of Thistle Court, Shetland, until August in order for a criminal justice social work report and a restriction of liberty order assessment to be carried out.
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