Lanarkshire man was caught with gift bag containing cocaine worth £200K

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Police found cocaine worth £200,000 in a gift bag following a surveillance operation.It led to car mechanic John Rodger being jailed for 27 months at Hamilton Sheriff Court.The dad of one claimed he was forced to be a "runner" for drug dealers to clear off a debt.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android Rodger, 32, of Loanlee Crescent, Larkhall, admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine on April 26 last year.The offence was aggravated by a link to serious organised crime.Co-accused Linzi Hutchison, 31, of North Kilmeny Crescent, Coltness, had her not guilty plea to the charge accepted.Scott O'Connor, prosecuting, said police had another man under surveillance in Kilmarnock.

Officers watched as Rodger took a gift bag from the man and put it in his van.He was stopped later and two blocks of cocaine, weighing 2.09 kilos in total, were seized.Mr O'Connor added: "It had a purity of 76 per cent.

Police experts say it would have had a maximum street value of £200,900."Defence agent Laura Kiernan said Rodger had run up a debt through his own drug use and was unable to pay it back.She told the court: "He was fearful of the consequences and was given an opportunity to become a runner to clear his debt."That is the extent of his involvement but he is paying a high price for it."He has a record but has never