A 65-year-old Inverness man grew cannabis in his loft with a potential value of £63,900, a court was told.
Terrence Small, of Darris Road, appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court yesterday and admitted cultivating 71 plants.
Police were on mobile patrol in the Lochardil area of the city on December 15.
Fiscal depute Robert Weir said the vehicle windows were open and they could smell cannabis.
“They carried out door to door inquiries. When they attended at Small’s house, they were invited in and got a stronger smell.
“He then stated I’ve got about 10 plants upstairs. A warrant was obtained and the search revealed the cannabis farm in the upstairs loft with lights, fans and a full hydroponics system.” Mr Weir added.
First offender Small later admitted to police the cannabis was for his own use.
Mr Weir told Sheriff Margaret Neilson that the plants had a potential value of between £17,750 and £63,900.
Sentence was deferred until November 5 for a background report and bail was continued.
