A low-level drug producer who grew his own cannabis “won’t be worrying the Colombian cartels” any time soon, a court has heard.
Ian Wilcox’s homegrown stash of cannabis plants was discovered after police heard a fan noise when they visited the 44-year-old’s Elgin home.
They found 16 plants growing within two tents in an upstairs bedroom, Elgin Sheriff Court was told.
Fiscal depute Victoria Silver said police were called to reports of an unrelated disturbance in the Kingsmills home just after noon on June 1, this year.
Fan noise gave the game away
“A police officer began to search the rooms within to make sure there were no other people within,” she said.
“On nearing bedroom one at the top of the landing he could hear what sounded like a fan.
“He saw two navy tents within the room, which contained number one plants that looked like cannabis.”
The two growing areas contained six and 10 cannabis plants, respectively.
These were seized alongside other drug paraphernalia and the tents were dismantled.
Speaking from the dock, Wilcox said they were worth “next to nothing”.
His defence agent Robert Cruickshank added: “They were immature and nowhere near the point of cultivation. Next to little or no value.”
“The Colombian cartels don’t need to worry just yet,” Sheriff Olga Pasportnikov clarified.
“No, nor need they ever,” the solicitor quipped.
‘It was a waste of time and money’
He told the court Wilcox had tried to grow the cannabis for his own medical use after suffering serious injuries in an accident more than a year ago.
“His motivation for the commission of this crime was for his own use,” Mr Cruickshank added. “It was for pain relief as opposed to any supply in the wider community.”
Wilcox himself had told social workers “it was a waste of time and money” and assured them he wouldn’t be repeating his efforts.
Wilcox, of Kingsmills, Elgin admitted producing a controlled drug.
Sheriff Olga Pasportnikov handed him 100 hours of unpaid work to which Wilcox declared “brilliant.”
“I’m glad you’re pleased,” the sheriff replied.
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