A BAG of heroin was discovered in a packet of sweets after undercover cops spotted a drug deal in the street.

Police were on plain clothing patrol in an unmarked vehicle when they observed Allan Scott getting out of a taxi before quickly re-entering after exchanging items with someone on April 22 last year.

The 53-year-old appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court after previously pleading guilty to being in possession of the class A drug.

Procurator fiscal depute Victoria Keel said: “Police followed the accused within the taxi for a short distance until it came to a stop on Duke Street.

“They approached the accused after he had exited the taxi. He was holding a Haribo sweet bag and officers could see a small bag within containing brown powder.

“He was detained for a search. Within the Haribo bag was 9.2 grams of brown powder which tested positive for diamorphine. The accused was thereafter arrested, cautioned, and charged. He made no reply.”

Scott’s lawyer explained that her client was struggling with drug addiction at the time of the offence.

She added: “He has recently been given his own temporary homeless accommodation in Sandyhills.

“He is engaging with addiction services through current supervision. It seems very positive, and he is showing levels of motivation. He is presenting very well today. He also made a self-referral to addiction services. He is starting to make changes in his life.”

Sheriff Diana McConnell said: “I note he has had two heart attacks which, for a man his age, is very worrying.”

The defence solicitor added: “It’s something that worries him. The condition runs within his family. It is his main motivation to stay clean.”

Sheriff McConnell fined Scott £190.

She told him: “Taking all your progress into account, I am minded to deal with this by fine.”