A failed asylum seeker at the centre of an East Kilbride drugs raid is disputing the value of cannabis seized by the police.
Seventy plants, worth £28,800 were found in a three-bedroom home in Calderside Grove last September.
Police also recovered more than 11kg of herbal cannabis which they say was worth £43,320. But Kongres Cuti’s lawyer claims the true valuation of the herbal material is nearer £5000.
Cuti, 33, was due to be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court, but the case was adjourned when the dispute over values arose.
Sheriff Douglas Brown will hear the competing claims on April 7.
At a previous hearing Albanian Cuti admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis. Jennifer McLaren, prosecuting, told how neighbours became suspicious about a smell coming from the house and the sound of fans.
She told the court: “When officers arrived they noted an incredibly strong smell of cannabis.
“They found the entire house had been converted for the purpose of growing cannabis. There were 36 cannabis plants in the living room, 21 in an upstairs bedroom and 13 nursery plants in the loft space.
“Another bedroom was being used as a drying area for herbal material.
“Two bags of herbal cannabis weighing 11.4kg were recovered.”
Cuti was detained when he arrived at the house at 4pm that day. He was on his phone and “acting suspiciously”. Officers seized £750 in mixed notes from him.
Defending, David Kinloch queried the police valuation of the herbal cannabis.
He said: “A defence report puts the figure at nearer £5000. I understand the bags seized included stalks and leaves which are almost worthless. That might make up 80 per cent of the weight.”
Mr Kinloch said his client had pleaded guilty on the basis that he had nothing to do with the cultivation and had been sent to the house by his bosses to observe the police operation and report back.
Kinloch explained: “Police officers saw him acting suspiciously.
“He was making observations and using his phone to text or take photos. That was his only involvement.”
Kinloch said Cuti is a failed asylum seeker, adding: “No matter the court’s disposal, he will be deported at some point.”
Cuti, who has been in custody since his arrest, remains behind bars.
