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 incrimination against Mr Cross and an another man, who were both in prison at the time of committing the crimes. Mr Stevenson is also accused of a number of other charges.
Among them, it is alleged he teamed up with another man for the “collection, storage and onward transmission” of £1.04m of criminal funds. This was apparently helped with the use of “encrypted communication devices”.
One charge states Mr Stevenson, Mr Bilsland and 43 year-old Garry McIntyre were involved in “serious organised crime” and being concerned in the supply of cocaine. Mr Stevenson and Gerard Carbin, 45, are said to have directed Paul Bowes, 53, Ryan McPhee, 34, and another individual to take part in the production and supply of street Valium and the tranquilliser Alprazolam. A further charge claims Mr Stevenson was involved in serious organised crime with a person now said to be in prison.
This is said to have involved the collection, adulteration and supply of cocaine. The indictment also states encrypted communication devices were used and "concealed hides" in cars for moving drugs. The final charge claims Mr Stevenson conspired with others to set fire to a number of properties and cars including a beauty salon in Hamilton, Lanarkshire.
The trial was adjourned on Wednesday by Judge Lord Ericht until August 26. It is estimated the trial will last until October..
