Six men have gone on trial accused of being part of an international drug smuggling ring which involved hiding cocaine in bananas sent to an address in Glasgow. Court documents state that the UK Border force intercepted a consignment in Dover in September 2020 and found 952kg of cocaine hidden inside. It was bound for "Glasgow Fruit Market" at an address in Glasgow's Townhead.
After being examined by the National Crime Agency and Police Scotland it was found to be cocaine with 73% purity. All of the men deny the charges against them. Prosecutors allege the class A drug was to be “concealed in deliveries of fruit” sent to the “Glasgow Fruit Market” at an address in city’s Townhead from Ecuador.
The UK Border Force searched the boxes and found packages of blocks of white powder. The National Crime Agency examined the foil packages and took further samples. There were a total of 119 foil packages, each containing eight blocks making an overall total of 952 blocks.
Each block weighed one kilogram with a purity of "no less than 73%." A further two packages addressed to Glasgow Fruit Market Ltd were received after law enforcement had become involved. James Stevenson, 59, is said to have directed the trafficking operation which spanned the UK, Spain, Ecuador and Abu Dhabi.
Mr Stevenson is accused of ordering Lloyd Cross, David Bilsland, and un-named others to commit “a serious offence” by importing and supplying cocaine. He has submitted a special defence of incriminat.