Psychic arrest uncovers drug ring

Brian McTaggart admitted supplying ecstasy and other drugs

The arrest of a man who claimed to be a psychic healer led police to uncover a major drugs ring.

Police believe Brian McTaggart, of Mill Place, Carfin, Motherwell, delivered millions of pounds worth of drugs for a gang of Mr Bigs.

The High Court in Glasgow heard that following McTaggart's arrest, detectives found detailed computer generated "tick lists".

McTaggart, 56, admitted supplying cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamine.

The extent of the operation was not revealed in court, but it is understood that when police tallied up the tick lists, they revealed £22m in drug transactions.

Surveillance experts

John Halley, prosecuting, told the court that unemployed McTaggart, who claims to be a psychic healer and exorcist, admitted to receiving £300 a week for collecting drugs and delivering them to a network of 20 dealers three times a week.

He was arrested on 24 May last year after he was targeted by undercover police surveillance experts who saw him on Bellsdyke Road, Larbert, with two dealers he supplied - Elizabeth Sinclair, of Glenbervie Avenue, Larbert, and Derek Walton, of St George's Court, Larbert.

Sinclair and Walton appeared in the dock beside McTaggart.

Sinclair admitted three charges involving amphetamine, ecstasy and cocaine while Walton admitted one charge involving amphetamine.

A third accused Alexander Morgan, Cedar Grove, Stenhousemuir, also admitted an amphetamine charge.

McTaggart admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamine from his home between 1 January 2005 and 24 May 2006.

He had a £35,000 BMW, was paying off debts worth £400 a month and was investing £580 a month in an ISA.

A search of his car and house revealed cocaine worth £39,680, amphetamine worth £640 and £57 worth of ecstasy.

Police also found five separate amounts of cash totalling £8,600, tick lists, electronic scales and five mobile phones.

The judge Lord Brailsford called for social inquiry reports on all four who admitted previous convictions plus a psychiatric report on McTaggart.