A sheriff this week warned that dealers who sell hard drugs such as heroin will be locked up for lengthy periods.
Sheriff Derrick McIntyre jailed Brian Johnston for four years after he was caught with Class A heroin worth around £1,790. The prison term was cut to 39 months because Johnston pleaded guilty.
The 32-year-old of Chay Blyth Place in Hawick admitted being concerned in the supply of the drug in Duke Street and King Street, Galashiels, on December 15, 2012, and March 9 last year.
Prosecutor Tessa Bradley said police spotted Johnston and former co-accused Zoe Forsyth – whose not guilty plea was accepted – in a car park.
As the police vehicle approached, Johnston appeared to try to remove something from a shopping bag, and a plastic bag containing brown powder – later confirmed as diamorphine – was found. It weighed just over 13 grams and was valued at £1,180.
Ms Bradley revealed a further bag containing 12 wraps worth £240 was recovered from Miss Forsyth and it was accepted that these also belonged to the accused.
Johnston told police he had 15 wraps of heroin hidden in a Kinder Egg at his then home in Duke Street. Police found 18 worth £360. They also found scales and mobile phones with drug-related texts.
Miss Bradley told the court: “A total of 19 grams of heroin, worth approximately £1,790, was found.”
Solicitor Ed Hulme said: “He found himself in debt to the wrong type of people and did this to fund his habit.”
Sheriff McIntyre told Johnston: “You have pled guilty to being concerned in the supply of heroin, and a large amount. Those involved in class A drug supply must expect a substantial sentence.”