Police officer admits to drug dealing for almost two years

PC Craig Flowers, a Strathclyde Police officer, supplied cocaine to his high-flying group of friends at various locations in Glasgow and Lanarkshire.

He was caught with bags of the drug at Ingram Street in Glasgow in September 2008 after being placed under surveillance by the force's Counter Corruption Unit.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard that, when officers found the drugs, he told them: "I've got a habit but it's under control, there's no problem."

The 33-year-old is the son of former Police Federation chairman Norrie Flowers who has since been replaced.

Flowers, of Inveravon Drive, Motherwell, yesterday admitted dealing cocaine at his home address, McCuills Pub, High Street, Glasgow, Ingram Street, Glasgow, and various other city centre locations between January 2007 and September 2008.

He also pled guilty to possessing the drug at Ingram Street, Glasgow, on September 27, 2008.

He was originally charged with dealing in ecstasy as well but the Crown accepted his not guilty plea to that charge.

Prosecutor Anthony Bonnar told the court that Strathclyde Police's Counter Corruption unit received a tip-off in July 2008 that Flowers was using and dealing in cocaine.

Mr Bonnar said: "The unit was then authorised to conduct directed surveillance on the accused.

"On Saturday, 27 September, 2008, they were told that the accused would attend at Glasgow city centre to purchase drugs to distribute to his friends.

"The accused was seen walking with a man in Ingram Street and as he did so there appeared to be something passed between the two men.

"The accused was then detained and searched and was found to be in possession of three plastic bags containing white powder."

The court heard that the drugs had a street value of 120.

Flowers told the officers: "Look, what I got today it's cocaine. I bought three for 100 to share with my friends.

"I've got a habit but it's under control, there's no problem."

Officers later discovered Flowers was part of a group of around 20 friends who regularly used the drug.

Mr Bonnar added: "The social group included individuals with professional qualifications and careers but who were in the habit of visiting dance and club venues and habitually consuming cocaine.

"The accused regularly acted as supplier to the group and all members of the group, including the accused, would consume the drugs purchased."

The court heard that Flowers only took the drug when he was off-duty. He has since been suspended.

Defence advocate Mark Moir told the court that his client was only concerned in "social supply" and never profited from what he was doing.

Mr Moir added: "He fully accepts the seriousness of this case."

Sheriff Joanna Johnston told Flowers: "You have accepted your involvement in the supply of a significant amount of class A drugs over a lengthy period of time."

The sheriff deferred sentence until later this month for background reports and Flowers was remanded in custody.

Norrie Flowers, who lives near his son in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, has been a well respected officer with the Strathclyde force for more than 30 years.

He became chairman of the Scottish Police Federation in 2002, but has since been replaced by Inspector Les Gray. Mr Flowers was in court yesterday to support his son.

In his role with the Police Federation, Mr Flowers represented the interests of thousands of police officers across Scotland.

A well-known figure he often appeared in TV bulletins and in the media speaking out on issues affecting serving officers.