A Scottish man, James Stevenson, stands accused of orchestrating a vast international cocaine smuggling operation. The alleged scheme involved concealing cocaine within shipments of fruit, primarily bananas, destined for the Glasgow Fruit Market. Stevenson, along with five others, appeared in court facing multiple charges related to drug trafficking, money laundering, and organized crime. The trial, which began at the High Court in Glasgow, has revealed intricate details of the operation, spanning several countries and involving significant quantities of cocaine.
The Alleged Operation
James Stevenson is accused of directing a sophisticated drug trafficking network that spanned the UK, Spain, Ecuador, and Abu Dhabi. Prosecutors claim that the operation involved importing cocaine concealed in fruit shipments, with the drugs being hidden among bananas. The UK Border Force intercepted a consignment in Dover in September 2020, discovering 952 kilograms of cocaine. The purity of the seized cocaine was reported to be no less than 73%, highlighting the scale and seriousness of the operation.
The indictment against Stevenson includes 14 charges, covering activities between January and September 2020. These charges allege that Stevenson ordered others to commit serious offenses, including the importation and supply of cocaine. The operation is said to have been funded by “dirty money,” which was used to purchase equipment, lease premises, and register company directors under fake names. Stevenson has denied the charges, claiming that the crimes were committed by others currently serving prison sentences.
Court Proceedings and Evidence
During the trial, a joint minute of agreed evidence was presented to the jurors. This document detailed the discovery of cocaine hidden in banana shipments addressed to the Glasgow Fruit Market. The National Crime Agency examined the seized packages, which contained a total of 952 blocks of cocaine, each weighing one kilogram. The evidence also included the use of encrypted communication devices to facilitate the operation.
Stevenson, along with co-accused David Bilsland and Garry McIntyre, faces charges under the Custom and Excise Management Act for their involvement in the importation of controlled drugs. The trio is also accused of participating in serious organized crime, with additional charges related to the collection, storage, and onward transmission of £1.04 million in criminal funds. The trial has brought to light the extensive and organized nature of the alleged smuggling ring.
Defense and Incrimination Claims
James Stevenson has lodged a special defense of incrimination, asserting that the crimes were committed by Lloyd Cross and James White, both of whom are currently incarcerated. Stevenson claims that he was not involved in the drug trafficking operation and that he has been wrongfully accused. The defense has argued that the evidence presented by the prosecution is circumstantial and does not directly link Stevenson to the smuggling activities.
The trial has been adjourned until the end of the month, with further evidence and testimonies expected to be presented. The outcome of the trial will determine whether Stevenson and his co-accused are found guilty of the charges against them. The case has garnered significant attention due to the scale of the alleged operation and the involvement of multiple countries in the smuggling ring.
