Police in Moray have landed a massive drugs haul after pulling over a motorist during a “routine patrol”.
Officers initially pulled over the car on Elgin’s Young Street due to concerns about the driver’s behaviour.
But subsequent inquiries led them to a property on Maisondieu Place in the town where cocaine, cannabis and ecstasy with a street value of nearly £10,000, along with almost £19,000 cash.
Yesterday, Gavin Mitchell or Wallace appeared at Elgin Sheriff Court in connection with the find.
He faced three charges of supplying drugs as well as an accusation of driving while unfit through either drink or drugs.
The 24-year-old, from Elgin, made no plea or declaration during the brief private hearing and was released on bail.
Constable Brian Donaldson, from the alcohol violence reduction unit, revealed the stash was a considerable find for the force.
He said: “This proactive action has infiltrated a significant quantity of drugs which could have been bound for our communities.
“Although this action was led by officers during routine patrols on this occasion, I would like to stress once again the we regularly rely on information from the public to target our resources to the right places at the right times.”
The white Volkswagen Golf was stopped by officers in the early hours of Sunday.
The drugs and associated paraphernalia were later seized along with the cash.
Yesterday, Elgin City South councillor John Divers praised the initiative of the officers to act on their suspicions.
He said: “I’m sure in a lot of these instances they never know what they are going to find when they pull somebody over. Obviously they must have initial suspicions but it’s good to see they get results from acting on it.
“It’s good work by the police. It would be better if they didn’t have to make these sorts of finds but I’m pleased they’re out there doing it – long may it continue.”