AN IRVINE drug dealer has been locked up after police discovered cocaine worth more than £40,000 and another £20k in cash at his home.

Cops raided Graeme Reid's home in the town's Linkwood Place in October 2022.

A court heard the search found cocaine weighing more than 1.1 kilograms in a kitchen cupboard, a kitchen drawer, and in a vehicle that was parked outside.

The drug had a total potential street value of £41,020.

Scales and a blender were also found, with traces of cocaine detected on the equipment, while a total of £20,195 in cash was also seized.

 

In addition, police discovered a mobile phone with 10 incoming texts requesting the purchase of cocaine.

The court heard how Reid, who turns 40 today (Saturday, March 23), returned to his home while the search was still under way and was promptly arrested before being taken to Saltcoats police station. 

Reid pleaded guilty at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court to a charge of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug.

His defence solicitor told the court Reid had a "very limited" criminal record and had "enjoyed good employment" and weekends out - but that his client also enjoyed taking cocaine.

He said Reid had built up a drug habit before suffering a stroke, which curtailed his employment but not his use of the drug.

The court was told Reid had built up debt as a result, and was given the chance by others to work those off by allowing his home to be used to store and package the cocaine.

The lawyer said the cash and phone discovered did not belong to Reid, and that the drugs were transported from one place to another via his car.

He added: "Mr Reid is no fool. He realises he is facing a significant period of incarceration."

Sheriff Colin Bissett told Reid: "These matters are of an extremely serious nature. Cocaine is the most difficult habit to break. 

"To be concerned in its supply is a serious matter. Your role must be significant."

Reid was remanded in custody and will be sentenced at a later date.