A Greenock man caught with a cocaine and cash haul totalling more than £50,000 is facing the prospect of prison.

James Houten, 48, of Davaar Road, took a holdall packed with belongings into the dock in expectation of being remanded in custody over the large-scale seizure.

But Sheriff Andrew McIntyre allowed him bail pending sentencing following his guilty plea to being concerned in the supply of the Class A narcotic.

Police found cash totalling £47,960 and more than 100 grams of cocaine worth £4,160 during an intelligence-led raid at a house on Strone Crescent.

Officers used a sniffer dog to 'identify areas of interest' within the property before carrying out a 'systematic search', the town's sheriff court was told.

Prosecutor Emma Jeffrey said: "There was a medical box containing £27,780 and £20,000 in cash was in a French Connection box.

"Also found was a clear tube with white powder, which was 105.34g of cocaine in three separate bags.

"There were two sets of scales and a metal tin containing £180 in a bedroom."

Police had obtained a search warrant and swooped on the Strone Crescent property at 8.55am on April 24 last year, the court was told.

Fiscal depute Miss Jeffrey said: "The accused was traced upstairs and was detained.

"Prior to the commencement of the search an officer asked if there were any items he should be aware of before bringing the police dog in.

"The accused replied, 'Yeah, under the sink'.

"Asked if there was anything that would harm the dog, he said, 'No, drugs'."

Miss Jeffrey added that police considered the amount of cocaine to be 'excessive for personal use' and 'indicative of being for onward sale and supply'.

Houten pleaded guilty on indictment to be concerned in the supply of cocaine.

His pleas of not guilty to further charges of being in possession of diazepam and cannabis resin were also accepted.

Defence lawyer Terry Gallanagh pleaded with Sheriff McIntyre for his client's bail to be continued.

Mr Gallanagh said: "Mr Houten has not been in bother for a considerable period of time.

"He has got care and responsibility for a teenager with profound difficulties."

Sheriff McIntyre told Houten: "You will understand that this is a very serious charge, to be concerned in the supply of cocaine.

"I must consider all sentencing options, including prison."

The sheriff deferred deferred sentence until March 6 for a background report and continued bail.

Proceedings for confiscation of the cash seized by police are due to get underway on April 3.