An Oban man who threw a bag of cocaine under a car and ran away from police has been jailed.
Damian McAuley threw a bag containing the drug underneath a car and ran away when he was approached by two plain clothes police officers.
The 23-year-old appeared at Oban Sheriff Court yesterday for sentencing, having previously admitted being in possession of the Class A drug with intent to supply at Quarry Road on January 9.
Fiscal Eoin McGinty said: “At 10pm police were in plain clothes patrol in an unmarked car on Quarry Road when they saw the accused walking.
“They were aware of recent intelligence relating to him being involved in drug supply in the local area and they stopped their vehicle with a view to speaking to him.
“Upon seeing police get out the vehicle the accused through a package underneath a parked car and then ran off.”
Mr McGinty said the package contained 52grams – just under two ounces – of cocaine, which would be worth about £1,400 if bought in bulk or £2,500 if sold on in £50 deals.
The court heard McAuley, of Ardconnel Road, Oban, returned to the vehicle and apologised to officers. A search warrant was obtained for the address in Sinclair Drive where he was staying at the time.
Officers found “various items of paraphernalia” and £140 when they searched his home.
Solicitor Laura McManus said McAuley took a “serious risk” dealing cocaine because he suffered from a gambling problem and both his children had birthdays in January.
Sheriff Ruth Anderson jailed him for six months.
