A Moray teenager went through “the worst 24 hours of his life” after being caught with £200 worth of ecstasy tablets.
The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Elgin Sheriff Court yesterday after admitting a charge of possessing the Class A drug.
Police swooped on his car in Keith on December 2 last year, after noticing a smell of cannabis wafting from it.
But when they searched the vehicle they discovered scales, cash and two mobile phones – along with 42 ecstasy pills hidden in a purple tin.
The teenager, who lives at Braeside in Keith, later confessed to owning the items when interviewed by police.
Solicitor Brent Lockie said the accused had “clubbed together” with some friends to buy the illegal tablets.
Mr Lockie added: “It was a foolish thing to do, by being the chap who has performed the legwork he’s been left in this position where he could have been charged with intent to supply.
“My client appreciates how serious the situation is, he was detained overnight in January after being questioned and he describes that as the worst 24 hours of his life.
“From that date, he has not been dabbling in drugs or taking ecstasy.”
Sheriff Olga Pasportnikov ordered the teenager to perform 160 hours of unpaid work in the next nine months.
She told him: “Drugs can kill people, you set out to supply them to others and you would have been responsible for any consequences.
“But you were caught before that could happen.”