A JOHNSTONE drug dealer has been sentenced to more than five years in prison after being caught with a cache of weapons and ammunition hidden in his boiler cupboard.

Several guns were found during a drugs raid at Walenty Kubica's home in McLaurin Crescent on October 17 last year.

At the Glasgow High Court today (Wednesday), 64-year-old Kubica was sentenced to 5 years and 3 months in prison. 

Officers recovered a collection of firearms and ammunition along with £18,000 worth of drugs during the raid last year.

Among the weapons found were a Beretta 9mm self-loading pistol, a Brazilian-manufactured bolt action rifle, two Lee Enfield bolt action rifles, a BSA bolt action rifle and an Alpha Special Karabiner bolt action single shot rifle.

Also seized was a Bettinsoli double-barrelled 12-bore shotgun.

There was ammunition for all of the weapons.

Officers then found 29 cannabis plants in one of his bedrooms

Detective chief inspector Fil Capaldi of Renfrewshire and Inverclyde CID said:“I hope that today’s outcome sends a clear message that Police Scotland takes the threat from illegally held firearms extremely seriously and we will take all necessary steps to identify those associated with illegal firearms and drugs as they have no place in our communities.  

“Firearms in the hands of criminals can cause misery and devastation.

"If you have any information that could help remove weapons from circulation and prevent lives being lost, please contact police immediately via telephone number 101. Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 55 111 where information can be given in confidence.”