Two repeat offenders were branded drug dealers by a sheriff who told them they were lucky not to be jailed.
Kevin McElroy and David Buddie were caught after their fingerprints were found on a package of heroin worth £8,000.
Police seized the drugs in woodland near Kirkoswald Road, Newarthill, on June 24, 2022.
McElroy, 33, and Buddie, 24, both of Laurel Drive, Craigneuk, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week. They admitted being concerned in the supply of heroin.
They claimed they were struggling with their own drugs issues at the time.
Defence lawyer Matthew McGovern said McElroy became involved so he would be able to get more drugs for himself.
Mr McGovern stated: “He accepts full responsibility and realises the impact this type of offence has on the community.
“He was in the midst of an addiction and struggling to cope with the break up of a relationship.
“His addiction, he says, is now under control.”
Scott Jones, representing Buddie, said his client wasn’t selling heroin but accepted he was an “essential cog” in the supply chain.
Mr Jones added: “He is self-employed and is now making a positive contribution to society.”
Sheriff John Hamilton told the accused: “The difficulty for both of you is that you have a previous conviction for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
“The court can take the view that you are drug dealers.
“You chose to do this and have easily crossed the threshold for a custodial sentence. However, in the circumstances I’m prepared to impose an alternative.”
McElroy was given an electronic tagging order that bans him from leaving his home between 7pm and 7am each day for a year.
Buddie is confined to his home between 9pm and 7am each day for six months under a similar order.
He will also be under social work supervision for 18 months and must do 300 hours of unpaid community work.
*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!