Ex-soldier jailed after woman dumps cocaine at police station

A former soldier who was caught in a £2m drugs bust after a woman dumped bags of cocaine in a police station has been jailed for five years.

Paul Clark, 44, was arrested following a raid at a flat in the Glasgow Harbour complex on the River Clyde on 2 February 2025.

Prosecutor Lindsey Dalziel stated how a force support officer had been on duty at Partick police office in the city's west end when the woman came in - seemingly under the influence - and dropped 11 bags containing cocaine on the floor.

Police later discovered 10 taped packages of heroin at Clark's Glasgow Harbour flat. Clark was then arrested while walking back to his home.

Dalziel told the High Court in Glasgow the woman dumped a number of bags on the floor and indicated that they contained controlled substances.

The bags were found to contain 11 packages of cocaine while a total of more than £1,000 was also seized.

The woman's home and motor vehicle were later searched and police discovered keys to the flat in Meadowside Quay Walk.

Officers went to the property and it was unlocked with no one inside, although a wallet and driving licence in Clark's name were found.

Dalziel said a large black bag was spotted in the open-plan living area containing 10 taped packages of heroin, while a further 10 blocks of the drug - each with a distinctive stamp - were seized from a cupboard.

There was a total of 21kg of cocaine found, with a potential value of around £1.7m, with the heroin having a maximum sale of £430,000.

A search of the property also found £3805 stacked in elastic bands, a Cartier watch and designer clothes.

Clark was arrested while walking to the flat.

DNA linked Clark to the scene and his phone contained photos and messages associated with supplying drugs.

He admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine and heroin.

Tony Lenehan KC, defending, told the sentencing that Clark's offending took place after he returned from his second four-year period in the Parachute Regiment, after which he was said to be suffering from PTSD.

The advocate said: "He made poor decision after poor decision which has culminated in where he is now."

Judge Lord Cubie told Clark: "The illegal supply of these drugs is a scourge on our society.

"The quantities and timescales you were involved in show more than a passive or transient role. This was for your own personal gain."

Lord Cubie added that, although Clark had expressed "regret and remorse" over his actions, the conviction would have implications for him.