The high security Scottish Crime Campus housed the Organised Crime Partnership which involved top detectives of Police Scotland and counterparts from the National Crime Agency.
Jamie “Iceman” Stevenson Trial – David Ferry Dci Police Scotland On The Scale Of The Drugs Bust
Crimefighters claim the formation of a one stop cop shop in Scotland for targeting gangsters was crucial to bringing Jamie Stevenson’s gang to justice.
The high security Scottish Crime Campus housed the Organised Crime Partnership, which involved top detectives of Police Scotland and counterparts from the National Crime Agency. They worked closely with Crown Office lawyers on site to navigate a path through the huge case.
Top brass claim the close working and sharing of information allowed officers to wade through and understand a mountain of complex evidence, putting major criminals behind bars.
Detectives at Gartcosh with International Liaison Officers from Netherlands, Spain and the USA.
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They dealt with forensic accountants, Border Force agents and drugs experts in different countries as Operation Pepperoni grew arms and legs.
Detective Superintendent Dave Ferry, head of organised crime at Police Scotland, said: “A main takeaway from this case is the marked success of the crime campus.
“It’s a unique approach and it has reaped rewards in mapping the complex transportation of drugs from South America to Scotland.
“The same building will house officers who have tracked Stevenson as he’s gone on the run and then been re-arrested. It’s all being tracked from the same building in North Lanarkshire.
“The combined reach of all the law enforcement partners is massive.
“We’ve had the NCA sitting here alongside Police Scotland, the Crown Office. I’ve personally found that being within walking distance of the NCA office has been a big advantage.
“The joined-up collaborations have worked really well in this case.”
Jamie Stevenson and five gang members all admitted drugs charges at the High Court in Glasgow.
Stevenson, 59, pleaded guilty on Day 5 of the trial to directing a trafficking operation spanning the UK, Spain, Ecuador and a resort in Abu Dhabi.
He admitted two charges – of directing a serious criminal offence of importation of cocaine, and of being involved in organised crime through the production and supply of etizolam, often known as street Valium.
His not guilty pleas to the remaining charges were accepted by the Crown.
Stevenson admitted two charges – of directing a serious criminal offence of importation of cocaine, and of being involved in organised crime through the production and supply of etizolam, often known as street Valium.
Co-accused Paul Bowes, 53, pleaded guilty to a charge of being involved in organised crime by being involved in the production and supply of Class C drug etizolam at a string of premises including the Nurai Island Resort in Abu Dhabi, in London and Rochester, Kent.
Fruit market trader David Bilsland, 67, entered a guilty plea to a charge of agreeing to import cocaine.
Stevenson’s son-in-law Gerard Carbin, 44, and Ryan McPhee, 34, admitted being involved in organised crime through the production and supply of etizolam.
Lloyd Cross, 32, entered a guilty plea on the first day of the trial, admitting involvement in the cocaine shipment.
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