News / Heroin smuggler denies he’s a dealer
A BANFF fisherman found leaving the NorthLink ferry in Lerwick with heroin concealed in his body has denied being a drug dealer.
Appearing from custody at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Thursday, 41 year old David Watt, of Shellwood, Gamrie, pled not guilty to possessing the Class A drug with intent to supply on Wednesday this week when he was arrested at Holmsgarth ferry terminal.
The charge applies to the ferry terminal and to Lerwick’s Gilbert Bain Hospital where the drugs, previously valued at £1,100 by the police, were recovered.
Defence agent Tommy Allan said his client had previously experienced problems with drug misuse and was undergoing “something of a relapse”.
He added that Watt maintained the drugs were for personal use only.
Honorary sheriff Willie Shannon released Watt on bail, on condition that he left Shetland within 12 hours and does not return except to appear in court.
He will face trial on 7 July, with an intermediate diet set for 21 June.
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