Drug dealer snared by cops after taking “unusual route” round Paisley streets avoids jail

In Paisley, a drug dealer named Thomas Barclay narrowly avoided jail after being apprehended by police for taking an “unusual route” through the streets. The 38-year-old aroused suspicion when he drove his BMW through various streets in a manner that suggested he was unfamiliar with the area. Police stopped Barclay’s vehicle for a routine check and noticed his extreme nervousness and profuse sweating. A search of his mobile phone revealed incriminating messages related to the supply of cocaine, including a ‘menu’ of drugs and references to drivers being out all weekend.

Barclay was observed by officers sitting in his BMW parked outside a property with the engine running before taking a slow and unusual route through nearby streets, prompting a stop by police on Fulbar Road. Upon approaching the vehicle, officers noticed Barclay acting nervously and saw a zip lock bag containing cocaine in the footwell. Further search revealed 66 press-seal plastic bags of cocaine amounting to a potential value of £1,720, as well as a significant amount of cash and two mobile phones.

During the court hearing at Paisley Sheriff Court, the prosecutor detailed the events leading to Barclay’s apprehension, highlighting his involvement in the supply of controlled substances while on bail. Barclay’s defence agent explained how personal struggles and alcohol abuse had led him into the world of drugs to alleviate debts. Despite the seriousness of the offence, Sheriff Amel Elfallah opted for a non-custodial sentence, requiring Barclay to perform 90 hours of unpaid work and be under social work department supervision for a year.

Barclay, residing in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire, was fortunate to escape imprisonment due to the court’s intervention. This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers and consequences of involvement in drug-related activities, showcasing the importance of law enforcement efforts to tackle drug trafficking in the community.