A MAN found by police with what he thought was cocaine was actually in possession of a psychedelic drug similar to LSD.
Luke Millington was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by police on the A458 near Welshpool on September 13 last year. Police conducted a search of the vehicle as they believed it was associated with drugs and a small snap bag of white powder was found in 24-year-old Millington’s trousers, which he thought was cocaine.
In fact, it turned out to be mescaline – a naturally occurring psychedelic known for its hallucinogenic effects, comparable to those of LSD and magic mushrooms.
Millington pleaded guilty to possessing Class A drugs when he appeared at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, January 31.
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“The defendant was a passenger in a vehicle believed to contain drugs,” said prosecutor Helen Tench.
“Officers searching the defendant’s trousers found a snap bag with what they thought contained cocaine.
“The defendant said ‘I didn’t even know it was there’ and he was arrested. He was then de-arrested because officers had charged him with possessing cocaine. He told them he believed it was cocaine.”
Acting for the defendant, from Stretton Heath, near Shrewsbury, Owain Jones said: “It is a strange drug, which he believed was cocaine.
“It was a small amount, we don’t even know the value. He doesn’t know if he has been short-changed.
“He lives with mum and is on benefits. He tells me he’s improved greatly and reduced his drug consumption. The greatest thing to wean him off drugs is he is lacking cash, which he sees as a positive. He is also considering going to Kaleidoscope.”
Mr Jones handed in a character reference from Millington’s mum, which he said “gives you a flavour” of the difficult times he’s had over the last few years.
“It refers to a previous drug conviction,” said Mr Jones. “After that he made himself redundant and found it difficult during lockdown.
“He was a vehicle operator for Mercedes Benz so was highly trained and what’s happened to him has disappointed the family.”
Millington was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 surcharge. The drugs were also ordered to be destroyed.
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