A dog breeder who led a secret double life as a drug dealer has been jailed at the High Court in Glasgow.
Scott Bennett was sentenced to four years and eight months after pleading guilty to his involvement in serious and organised crime and supply of controlled drugs.
Bennett was snared after police became aware of animal welfare concerns at his company, Platinum Pet Care and K9 Fertility in Strathaven.
It was here, during an intelligence led operation back in October 2021 that a search of his business premises led to officers finding cocaine with a street value of £23,000 and cannabis worth £49,500.
Following his sentencing on Wednesday, Detective Inspector Laura Sands told Lanarkshire Live : “We welcome the sentencing of Scott Bennett.
"This significant recovery of controlled drugs and subsequent conviction sends a strong message to those who deal drugs in our communities.
“Tackling all forms of serious and organised crime, including those who supply controlled drugs, is a priority for us and we will continue to help protect our communities by targeting those individuals who are involved in this illicit trade."
The 41-year-old had been conducting his drug dealing empire using a phone which had the encrypted EncroChat app installed on it.
Police analysed the device and discovered he owed tens of thousands of pounds to other suspected drug dealers.
The chat app used by Bennett was popularised by gangsters across Europe who used it to conduct their business.
However, it was disrupted in January 2020 after French and Dutch officers gained access to EncroChat’s servers.
The foreign law enforcement operation managed to access messages and information about criminals which was shared with the UK’S National Crime Agency which launched Operation Venetic.
The court heard how one user on the app was called ‘Original Syrup’ and Scottish police managed to establish that this user was Bennett.
Police Scotland are urging anyone with any information about, or suspicions of, criminal activity to get in touch on 101.
Alternatively, information can be left anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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