Two pensioners in Scotland have been jailed after being caught with more than £24,000 worth of cocaine and £51,000 in cash.
Grandmother Helen Wright, 67, carried out the crime to help pay off her son’s drug debt, having recruited friend Moira Robertson, 65 – using the latter’s home in Ballieston, Glasgow, as a base to store the stash.
Police raided the property in June 2019, recovering tens of thousands of pounds in cash, 553 grams of cocaine – which had a street value of £21,780 – scales and polythene bags.
During the search, Wright appeared outside the house and was found with 15 polythene bags containing 'white powder with the value of £2,800'.
After being arrested, both Wright and Robertson pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to a single charge of being concerned in the supply of cocaine.
At a sentencing today (Tuesday 18 January), Wright received 20 months while Robertson was jailed for 18 months, Glasgow Live has reported.
Sheriff Matthew Jackson QC said: “Miss Wright - you committed this to settle someone else's debt.
“On the day you committed the crime you appeared at Miss Robertson's house with more cocaine.
“It is a matter of great regret that I cannot find exceptional circumstances here and you have crossed the custody threshold.”
Speaking to Robertson, Jackson said: “You carried out this crime for no financial gain to help out your so called friend.
“You said you did not know how much drugs would be involved and did not know there would be a significant amount of cash deposited.
“You stated you knew this was happening a week before and you knowingly used your home to store drugs and paraphernalia.”
Defending Wright, Stephen Bently told the court how the grandmother was trying to help pay a drug debt for her son.
"She became involved to repay a drug debt that her son accrued," Bently said.
"Her last previous offence was analogous and 12 years ago. She takes full responsibility for involvement and her actions."
Paul Sutherland, defending Robertson, said: “She is very apologetic regarding this matter.
“She received no financial incentive for her involvement but her savings have been seized as a result of the proceeds of crime matter.”
An earlier hearing heard how Robertson’s home was raided by police after a warrant was granted, with officers finding a huge supply of cocaine.
Prosecutor Mark Allan said: "A further 533 grams of cocaine was found which police stated was worth £13,800 wholesale with a street value of £21,780.
"Polythene bags and scales were also recovered.
"During the search, Wright turned up at Robertson's door. She was found with 15 polythene bags containing white powder with the value of £2,800."
Jess Hardiman