A CLYDEBANK man stashed heroin worth almost £7,000 down his trousers – then claimed to police that he didn’t know what the substance was.

Arthur McArthur, 45, of Kilbowie Road, pleaded guilty in court last week to being in possession of the class A drug with intent to supply in Montrose Street, near the town’s police station, on August 1, 2016.

Depute fiscal Sarah Healing told Dumbarton Sheriff Court: “Police travelling within a vehicle became aware of a man standing between cars.

“They became suspicious and stopped to speak to him. He was nervous.

“They saw him in possession of something he discarded as they approached. He was shaking and sweating.”

A search followed and two clear bags of brown powder were found in his groin area. The accused stated “I’m f****d”, and was taken to Clydebank police office.

The powder was sent for analysis and found to be 144 grams of the drug, also known as diamorphine, packaged into street deal quantities worth around £6,800.

The accused was interviewed and during the course of the interview admitted he was in possession of drugs but didn’t know what kind, saying that he had found them.

Ms Healing said that when challenged McArthur had said his actions were “stupid and foolish” and that he didn’t take drugs.

He denied intending to sell them, and said he was carrying them for someone else.

McArthur’s defence solicitor said: “He was taking drugs from one location to another for £200, he was struggling financially and didn’t know what they were.”

Sheriff William Gallacher adjourned the case to obtain a social work report, stating that the amount of class A drugs in question was “significant”.

McArthur’s bail was continued. He will return to court for sentencing on May 10.