Greenock man George McNeill admitted that he had cannabis with a street value of £3,600 following a raid on his home.

The drugs were found hidden in the Network Rail van after police officers swooped on his family home in Finch Road.

Officers also uncovered £3,000 in cash hidden in his bedroom.

Greenock Sheriff Court heard that the 49-year-old, who was represented by solicitor Aidan Gallagher, had earlier been caught drug dealing while in his own car in Greenock in March last year.

Procurator fiscal depute Kevin Doherty said: “Plain clothed police were travelling along Union Street when they observed an Audi driven by Mr McNeil pull up on the opposite of the carriageway and stop.

“They then observed a white van travelling west pull over immediately behind.

“The driver of the van got out, looked around and got into the passenger seat of the Audi.

“Officers went towards the driver’s side, which was partly open, and could smell cannabis.” Both men were searched and Mr McNeil was found to have cannabis in his possession.

A police search of the car took place and cannabis was found in bags and wrapped in polythene in the driver’s side and the boot.

Mr McNeil was immediately taken to Greenock police station and officers were granted a warrant to search his home.

During the search of his house they found two large sums of cash stuffed inside drawers in a bedroom, totalling £3,010.

Police officers then spotted the Network Rail van parked in his driveway.

On searching the vehicle, they found a large quantity of drugs.

Depute fiscal Mr Doherty added: “The police found more material, two zipped bags in the driver’s door and five in the driver’s door panel, all containing cannabis resin.

“There was also a quantity of polythene bags found containing herbal cannabis material.” The court heard that the total quantity of the class B drug seized from Mr McNeill would have had a street value of £3,600.

McNeill admitted that on 8 March last year he was found in possession of cannabis and was concerned in the supply of the drug at both Union Street and Finch Road.

Sheriff Derek Hamilton warned Mr McNeill, of Finch Road, that it was likely he would be sent to prison for the drugs offences.

He will be sentenced on 4 February once criminal justice reports are available.