A drugs mule has been jailed for two years for transporting heroin and cocaine worth almost £50,000.
Nicole Thiele, also known as Phelps, sobbed in the dock as Sheriff Andrew Miller jailed her for transporting the substances along the A96 Aberdeen-Elgin road.
Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard that the drugs in the 27-year-old’s possession could have been worth as much as £48,000.
Her solicitor Liam McAllister yesterday conceded that Theile, of Dean Place, Mosstodloch, had made a “catastrophic” error which would likely lead to a prison sentence.
He added: “She recognises this is not a victimless crime, which is different from others further up the chain moving drugs around the country. She is genuine.
“She said she had agreed to deliver the parcel for the chance to earn some extra money.
“She was offered £300 and has significant debts.”
The court heard Theile’s former partner had introduced her to people connected to the drugs trade, and Mr McAllister argued they had taken advantage of her financial plight.
Sheriff Andrew Miller said: “I accept you were not the owner of the drugs but you were acting as a courier for financial gain.
“This is a very serious matter and it is my view that only a significant custodial sentence will suffice.”