Officers found 15 cannabis plants in a wardrobe, with a potential value of more than £2,000.

At Jedburgh Sheriff Court last Thursday, first offender Jonathan Finley, of Allars Bank, admitted possession of the illegal drug on November 22, and producing it at his home between July and November last year.

The 20-year-old told police he was a heavy smoker of the drug, which he was producing for his own use.

He said he had bought scales and electrical equipment on the eBay internet site.

"Extensive fire damage caused the whole building to be evacuated," explained depute fiscal Juliet Petrusev, "and fire officers needed to get into his flat as the fire was in the one above.

"Police were there too and detected a strong smell of cannabis," she added.

Fifteen cannabis plants were found in a wardrobe, and lamps, timers and scales were also found in the flat," said Miss Petrusev.

She described eight of the plants as "quite big" and the others as seedlings. The potential value at full fruition is £2,251," she said.

"He said he was growing the cannabis as he was a heavy smoker of cannabis, and had been growing them for four months from seeds," added Miss Petrusev.

"He also said he got all the equipment on eBay," concluded Miss Petrusev, who moved for forfeiture.

Defence solicitor Alison Marshall confirmed there had been a fire in the flat above and access was needed to her client's flat below.

"He had purchased the equipment to grow it from the internet and also obtained a guide there, showing him how to grow the plants," explained Miss Marshall.

"None of the crop had matured to the extent it had been used," she added.

"He was a novice at this and has purchased some seeds to grow for his own personal use," concluded Miss Marshall.

Finley was fined £450 and all the items found were forfeited.

"This was a fair-sized operation, and I have to take account of the value," commented Sheriff Kevin Drummond.