A plasterer caught running a £70,000 cannabis cultivation directly opposite a police station has been jailed.
Paul McCann, 41, was caught after officers saw him loading power tools into a Transit van which was parked near their base in Wishaw, Lanarkshire.
They noticed a strong smell of cannabis coming from a building and asked him to take them to it but as they approached the unit McCann became visibly nervous and fainted.
Officers later searched the fully kitted out building and discovered 118 fully grown cannabis plants worth a maximum of £70,800 along with 99 seedlings worth £495.
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Experts estimated the 'commercial' operation would have cost £23,000 to set-up with fans and other equipment needed to grow the class B drug.
A further investigation of McCann's mobile phone revealed he had been involved in obtaining the equipment for the cultivation.
McCann, of Blantyre, Lanarkshire, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court and admitted producing cannabis in June 2020.
He also pled guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis between April and June 2020.
Sheriff Andrew McIntyre remanded him in custody ahead of sentencing next month.
Depute fiscal Abby Seal said: "Police attended at the locus which is directly across from Wishaw police station.
"They noted a Ford Transit van directly next to the station and observed the accused placing power tools into the van.
"They detected a strong smell of cannabis and detained the accused for the purpose of a search.
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"They also noted him to be in possession of a set of keys for the van and the property and as they approached the building the accused became extremely nervous and fainted.
"In the building they observed a large cannabis cultivation and the accused was arrested."
The prosecutor added: "The accused's mobile phone was seized and it revealed the accused had been involved in obtaining equipment used for the cannabis cultivation."
Laura Kiernan, defending, said: "He appreciates the predicament that he finds himself in."
Sheriff McIntyre said: "These charges are exceptionally serious and that will be made plain to you.
"The commercial nature and the sheer value of the material recovered and your involvement in the production of cannabis means you will be remanded in custody."
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