A heroin addict who shared the illegal drug with a friend was jailed for 32 months.
Thirty-two-year-old William Tait, described as a prisoner in Edinburgh, appeared on indictment and admitted being concerned in the supply of heroin at Marine Square, Eyemouth, on December 12.
Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said the accused usually resided at Renton Terrace, Eyemouth, and police entered the address at Marine Square with a search warrant.
“They found the accused and others there, and he had £70 cash,” said Mr Fraser.
On the worktop next to where he was standing, there was a quantity of brown powder, tin foil, a Stanley knife blade and cut bags – all consistent with drug deals, added the fiscal.
“There were nine foil wraps in a bag on the kitchen floor,” added Mr Fraser.
He said the total weight of the drugs recovered was about 5.5gms, with an estimated value of about £600.
Tait gave police a “no comment” interview, but claimed the £70 was money from his benefits.
“He now accepts that he was concerned in the supply of drugs and was sharing it with friends in the house,” concluded the procurator fiscal.
Ross Dow, defending, said: “The extent of his supply was a small amount to his friend, who was formerly a co-accused. They have been friends and heroin addicts for several years and help each other out, sharing from time to time.
“There was no commercial gain involved.” The solicitor said his client had struggled with heroin addiction for some time and was “realistic” about his likely sentence.
The jail term was backdated to December 13.