Police swooped on Kevin Jamieson’s Stop N Steer Tyre Centre, pictured, in Greenock’s Dellingburn Street following a tip-off about his secret criminal activities.

As well as herbal cannabis, electronic weighing scales and small plastic bags being found within a Transit van on the premises, while £5,309 in cash was also recovered.

Dad-of-one Jamieson — who was ‘just’ spared a prison sentence on the matter — had a further £655 stuffed in one of his pockets.

Greenock Sheriff Court heard how police raided his garage at 9.15am on 27 March after obtaining a search warrant.

Prosecutor Pamela Brady said: “Officers had received intelligence that drugs were being sold from the premises.

“The proceeds of crime unit have indicated an interest in this case.

“Verbal notice is now given with regard to confiscation of the cash.” Jamieson’s defence lawyer has disputed that the £5,000 recovered was the proceeds of Jamieson’s illegal dealings.

The solicitor said: “It was in a cash box and Mr Jamieson runs a cash business.

“All of the cannabis seized was within a Transit van on the premises.” Jamieson’s solicitor added: “He has reached the age of 36 and has never troubled the courts before.

“Mr Jamieson truly is a first offender and has been extremely frank about what he has done. He admits that he has gone beyond simply supplying to friends and colleagues.

“He is relieved and very remorseful.” The court heard how Jamieson provides employment for two other people within his tyre business.

Police recovered 107.4 grams of cannabis — valued at around £700 — in the raid.

Sheriff Derek Hamilton told Jamieson that he had decided — with ‘significant hesitation’ — not to jail him.

The lawman said: “You are just avoiding custody here.

“You were clearly doing this for financial gain. If you appear again for any offence, custody will be considered.” Jamieson, of Mallard Crescent in Greenock, was ordered to carry out 275 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months.

Sheriff Hamilton granted the proceeds of crime motion. A hearing is due to take place on that matter on 16 September.