A COATBRIDGE man high on drugs swallowed a packet of brown powder in a panic when apprehended by police.

Brian Dale, 49, was told to spit the wrap out but ignored the advice and had to be transported to hospital to check on his welfare later.

It was around 10am when plain-clothed officers on mobile patrol spotted the accused. He was unsteady on his feet and kept continually putting his hands in and out of his pockets.

Police identified themselves to the defendant and noted that he did not smell of alcohol but had glazed eyes. When told he was being detained under the Misuse of Drugs Act, Dale put his hand into his right pocket and then popped a small wrap of brown powder into his mouth.

He was told to spit it out for his safety, but swallowed the package so as the police couldn’t get their hands on it. He was taken to hospital for a check up and later released into police custody.

At Glasgow Sheriff Court, Dale pleaded guilty to obstructing police officers in their line of duty by swallowing the wrap after being asked to hand it over within Slatefield Street on February 8 last year.

In defence it was explained that the accused had a “long-standing drug addiction” and was under the influence of an illicit substance at the time of his arrest. He now regrets his actions and is on a stable methadone prescription.

Sheriff Brian Adair told the accused: “It’s just as well you’ve been of good behaviour.”

Dale, of Locks Street, avoided jail but was fined £150.