A MAN snared after police seized £2.5m of cannabis has been jailed for six years.

William Thompson was today locked up at the High Court in Glasgow.

The 51-year-old was arrested following a large-scale police probe including a raid at a cannabis factory in a unit at the Port Glasgow Industrial Estate.

The offence spanned between January 3, 2019 and January 14, 2020.

Prosecutors state it was aggravated by a connection with serious organised crime.

Other addresses listed in the charge included a business centre in Glasgow's Anderston, two properties in Paisley, Renfrewshire as well as the A9 Perth to Inverness road.

Thompson, of Bo'Ness, was convicted after a trial in June of being concerned in the supply of cannabis.

The hearing was today told he continues to protest his innocence.

Thompson appeared in the dock in crutches.

Lord Colbeck told him: "The cannabis cultivation found in the five properties was sophisticated and redolent of planning."

The judge said the drugs seized had a value of between £1.8m and £2.5m.

He added: "The court has to have regard to the planning and it is clear you had a significant role.

"The offence committed by you is one that is exceptionally serious."

Bob Mitchell, defending, said Thompson suffered from a number of health issues.

Thompson was also on bail at the time when he committed the crime.