A man accused of masterminding a worldwide drug smuggling ring with allegedly hidden in deliveries of fruit has blamed two men who are currently behind bars. James Stevenson is said to have directed the trafficking operation which spanned the UK, Spain, Ecuador and the luxury Nurai Island resort in Abu Dhabi. The 59-year-old and five others appeared in the dock for the start of a trial at the in Glasgow today.
Prosecutors have listed 14 charges in a seven page indictment. The accusations span between January and September 2020. They include claims Stevenson allegedly ordered a Lloyd Cross, David Bilsland, 67, and un-named others to commit “a serious offence” by importing and supplying cocaine.
It is alleged the class A drug was to be "concealed in deliveries of fruit" destined for the "Glasgow Fruit Market" at an address in the city’s Townhead. The city's real fruit market (pictured) is at Blochairn, in the east end. Dirty money is said to have funded the set-up involving the purchase of equipment, leasing premises, buying cars and registering company directors under fake names for the "Glasgow Fruit Market".
Stevenson has lodged a special defence of incrimination for these charges and claimed the crimes were committed by Cross and a James White. Jurors were told that both men are serving in HMP Barlinnie and HMP Addiewell respectively. A joint minute of agreed evidence was read out to the jurors before the trial was adjourned until the end of the month.
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