UNDERCOVER cops who spotted a drug deal in the street went on to find more than £1600 worth of drugs within a Paisley man’s car.

Omar Omar, 30, was parked on Ruchill Street in North Glasgow when a woman entered his Audi A4 at 9.30pm on July 17 last year.

Nearby officers, who were on plain clothing patrol in an unmarked police vehicle, had been watching.

Fiscal depute Victoria Keel told Glasgow Sheriff Court: “The vehicle was parked, and one man was sitting on the driver’s seat using his mobile phone.

“A female entered into the front passenger seat. The police suspected the occupants were engaged in a drug transaction. The driver reached into the rear of the car and exchanged an unknown item for cash.

“Police approached the vehicle and could smell cannabis. They identified themselves as officers and the accused was informed he would be detained for a search under the Misuse of Drugs Act.”

Meanwhile, the woman handed over a bag containing five grams of cannabis and admitted purchasing the drugs from Omar.

During the police search, a blue Deliveroo bag was recovered as well as 85g of cannabis, a further 120g of cannabis in 16 bags, plastic bags containing 30g of cannabis, 13 “reefer-style” cigarettes, and £940 of cash.

The court heard that the total value of drugs was around £1610.

Omar was arrested and conveyed to Clydebank police office. The drugs tested positive for cannabis, and he was cautioned and charged and made no reply.

His defence solicitor explained that he got involved in dealing due to financial struggles.

The lawyer said: “His own cannabis misuse fed into these struggles. He had an opportunity to increase his income and made the foolish decision to enter into this offending.

“He recognises how unacceptable his conduct was. He’s described as having a strong work ethic and a pro-social life.

“He is a man who has taken regrettable decisions. He moved to Glasgow from London to escape a life of poverty. He grew up in poor conditions despite coming from a loving family. He moved here to give himself more opportunities.

“He’s currently working with Uber Eats and works six days per week. He has no previous convictions and no outstanding matters.

“He has stopped using cannabis himself. His cannabis misuse led him down the road to this offence, so he has cut it out of his life.”

Sheriff Vincent Lunny was informed that Omar would comply with unpaid work, however, there was no scope for supervision and a restriction of liberty order would affect his job.

The sheriff told Omar: “Despite the serious offence, I’m minded to go down the road of deferral.

“Given your previous unblemished record and the very positive report, I will defer sentence for six months for good behaviour to show you can stay away from this behaviour.

"This is not to be seen as an easy option. It’s to show this was a one-off and will not be repeated. Dealing drugs can lead to custody.”

Omar will return to court in July.