DRUGS with a street value of £12,000 were found in the garden of a "safe house'' in Barnoldswick.

They were being looked after by 21-year-old Stephen Greenwood, who Burnley magistrates were told was unknown to the police until last Saturday.

Greenwood, of Pennine Way, admitted possession of cannabis resin and amphetamine with intent to supply.

He was remanded in custody to Burnley Crown Court for sentence on December 18.

Ian Walsh, prosecuting, told the court: "He is not a drugs dealer and must have been holding them at a safe house on behalf of a drugs dealer.'' Mr Walsh said the drugs were found in the garden of Greenwood's home on Saturday after a search warrant had been obtained by police.

A 9oz bar of cannabis resin was found in a plant pot and a white bag containing powdered amphetamine was found hidden in grass at the rear of the greenhouse.

Greenwood then pointed out a black binliner hidden in nettles and brambles.

That was found to contain eight 9oz bars of cannabis resin, said Mr Walsh.

Mr Walsh added: "He is now in extremely deep trouble and it is unusual for a person of good character to start with a criminal offence of such extreme gravity.''

Chris Whyatt, defending, said Greenwood had co-operated fully with the police in recovering all the drugs at the house.

He added: "He is a lad of previous good character, from a stable family background and with a good work record.''

Mr Whyatt said Greenwood's mother was prepared to offer a surety of £2,000 if he was given bail.

The family were devastated and all very upset by what had happened, he added.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.