Inverness drug dealer faces curfew after nearly £12k drug haul

Neil Crawford, a 33-year-old father-of-three from Ardcroy Road, Croy, was found with a large quantity of drugs. He bought in bulk and sold some to a small group of acquaintances. Police seized over £11,800 worth of cannabis resin, herbal cannabis, diazepam, pregabalin, and £11,434 in cash.

Crawford denied running a large-scale operation. He admitted to being concerned in the supply of drugs between March 4, 2024, and May 3, 2024, at Inverness Sheriff Court, where sentencing was deferred for a background report.

Defence solicitor advocate Shahid Latif argued against jail time, stating Crawford’s actions were “non-commercial” and primarily for personal use. Latif noted Crawford’s struggles with drug abuse stemming from his childhood and highlighted his current responsibilities, including work and three young children.

Fiscal depute Pauline Gair informed the court that Crawford admitted to police he had accumulated the drugs over several years. Police found 3,712 tablets and capsules, along with nearly 1 kg of cannabis at his home. Crawford claimed he no longer used cannabis and that £8,000 of the cash was a wedding gift from his mother-in-law.

Sheriff Sara Matheson emphasized the seriousness of drug supply in the Highlands. She stated that having a young family would not prevent custody but decided on an alternative. Crawford was placed under a year of social work supervision, required to complete 220 hours of unpaid community work, and received a three-month restriction of liberty order, requiring him to stay home from 7 PM to 7 AM while wearing an electronic tag.