A DRUG dealer caught with hundreds of cannabis plants has been ordered to repay nearly £120,000.

Alistair Ash, from Strathaven, was found guilty of being involved in the supply of drugs after a trial in 2016 and was jailed for three years.

The court heard that police found nearly 580 cannabis plants and a sophisticated hydroponics system at a warehouse he owned.

A confiscation order for £117,629.50 was granted at Hamilton Sheriff Court today.

Liam Murphy, procurator fiscal, specialist casework, said: “Following Ash’s conviction, our proceeds of crime team have ensured that the profits he seized from supplying drugs have been taken away.

“This should serve as a warning to all criminals involved in supplying drugs. We will not stop at prosecution. We will use the laws available to us to ensure money obtained through crime is confiscated from those who do not deserve it and reinvested into the community.”