A man accused of masterminding a worldwide drug smuggling ring with cocaine 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 High Court in Glasgow today.
READ NEXT: Glasgow man accused of masterminding worldwide drug smuggling ring READ NEXT: Jamie Stevenson appears in court accused of being involved in importation of drugs around the world 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 city’s Townhead. 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.
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