East Lothian gambling addict caught with drugs and cash is jailed

A 54-year-old East Lothian gambling addict who was stopped in Inverness with around £168,500 worth of drugs and cash in his car has been jailed.
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A 54-year-old East Lothian gambling addict who was stopped in Inverness with around £168,500 worth of drugs and cash in his car has been jailed for a year.

Defence solicitor Graham Mann tried to argue that Alexander Currie of Limeylands Court, Ormiston should be spared a prison sentence.

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He told Sheriff Bobby Macdonald that his client had a "lower role" and the drugs in his possession would never have achieved the values put on them by police in street deals.

A 54-year-old East Lothian gambling addict who was stopped in Inverness with around 168,500 worth of drugs and cash was sentenced to jail at Inverness Sheriff Court picture: GoogleMapsA 54-year-old East Lothian gambling addict who was stopped in Inverness with around 168,500 worth of drugs and cash was sentenced to jail at Inverness Sheriff Court picture: GoogleMaps
A 54-year-old East Lothian gambling addict who was stopped in Inverness with around 168,500 worth of drugs and cash was sentenced to jail at Inverness Sheriff Court picture: GoogleMaps
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Yet Sheriff Macdonald disagreed at Inverness Sheriff Court yesterday, saying: "Even the lower value of £22,000 is still high."

The Sheriff added that Currie had "a more significant role" than Mr Mann was suggesting.

Currie had previously admitted being involved in the supply of cannabis and amphetamine in Inverness in, 2017.

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Fiscal depute Robert Weir said Currie had been stopped in his Jaguar in the Longman after police were told the vehicle may be involved in drug distribution.

In a bag in the boot was 4.8kgs of herbal cannabis with a maximum value of £13,440 and £4,000 in cash. His then house in Greenpark, Edinburgh, was also searched and a large quantity of 26 per cent purity amphetamine with a maximum street value of £151,110 was found in a freezer.

He told police: "I am in a dark place and I had no choice."

Mr Mann said: "He found himself in financial difficulties through a gambling addiction and his debt was increasing. He saw this as a way out. He made himself available but was prevailed upon by these people he got involved with. He earned £300 for this journey."

Currie's sentence was backdated to January 20 when he was remanded in custody.