A MAN was caught with a cardboard box containing drugs after being stopped by cops in Rutherglen.

Muhammad Jawwaad Ali appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Wednesday after previously pleading guilty to being in possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

On December 2, 2021, officers were looking to speak to a man driving a black Audi in relation to a separate matter at around 4.10pm.

They spotted a car matching the description stationary within a car park on Main Street.

When cops approached, Ali opened the driver’s side door. When speaking to him, they noted a strong smell of cannabis coming from the car.

The 31-year-old freely stated he had smoked a joint in the hours previous and provided officers with a small pouch containing cannabis.

Ali, of Cambuslang, was detained for a search, and nothing was found on him.

When his Audi was searched, a cardboard box was found under the driver’s seat. It contained 23 individual snap bags of cannabis.

After a full search of the vehicle, police also found a grinder and £70 in cash from the console as well as two mobile phones.

Ali was placed under arrest and taken to London Road police office.

The prosecutor revealed the bags of cannabis weighed between two to 2.2g each with a total estimated street value of £460.

Ali was interviewed under caution and mainly replied “no comment”.

It was revealed in court that he is currently subject to a community payback order for possession of cannabis and threatening abusive behaviour.

His lawyer said: “He’s completed all hours of unpaid work and is engaging with addiction services. The order is going really well. He’s got no outstanding matters.

“He was a cannabis user for some time. It’s not a huge amount of drugs, it was for social supply.”

Sheriff Patricia Pryce revealed her plans to tag Ali.

His lawyer replied: “He lives with his parents and wife. He’s managed to save up money to pay for a holiday which is quite soon.”

The sheriff said: “The other alternative is custody.”

Ali’s solicitor said his client would consent to unpaid work, but sheriff Pryce replied: “He’s already had the chance to do that and has done that.”

Ali was tagged and ordered to stay in his home for 13 weeks between 7pm-7am.

Sheriff Pryce added: “If you breach this you run the risk of going to jail.”