Drugs-gang member behind bars after evading justice
Darren Chalmers was part of a mob that ran a huge cannabis factory from a converted office block in Paisley.
Last updated 17th Dec 2019
A drug-gang member who escaped justice is finally behind bars.
Darren Chalmers was part of a mob that ran a huge cannabis factory from a converted office block in Paisley.
The sophisticated set-up was spread over three floors and 13 different rooms and police went on to seize £430,800 of cannabis plants, leading to the jailing of four men, who admitted their involvement, for a total of 18 years in September.
Chalmers, also of Paisley, should have joined them in the dock, but a warrant was issued after he failed to show.
But, the 27 year-old was eventually held and hauled back to the High Court in Glasgow.
He pled guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis as well as the earlier failure to appear at court.
Lord Arthurson remanded Chalmers in custody pending sentencing in the New Year.
Police had raided the building in January 2018 and immediately noticed a strong stench of cannabis.
Officers believed the drug operation would have cost £50,000 to set up.
Fans, power sockets, lighting and other equipment had been fitted.
Police got CCTV from a local Pizza Hut as well as the nearby Lagoon Leisure Centre, which helped catch the gang.
Prosecutor Lindsey Dalziel said: “The footage links the accused to the scene.”
The court heard Chalmers accepted responsibility for a number of the cannabis plants found growing there.
No details were revealed of where he had been after the earlier court no-show.
Sentencing was deferred for reports until January 14 in Edinburgh.
Brian Scally, 37, Ian Matthews, 37, David Kerr, 30, and James Robertson, 39, were previously jailed for their roles in the gang.
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