Glasgow Drug Ring Boss and Sidekick Locked Up
Two Glasgow-based men have landed behind bars for running a serious organised Class A drug operation across Aberdeen, Dundee, Fife, and Kinross.
Big Boss James Paterson Gets 14 Years
After a six-week High Court trial, 34-year-old James Paterson was found guilty of supplying cocaine and heroin between December 2015 and December 2016. He was also convicted of money laundering, orchestrating the transportation and adulteration of cocaine, and hiding the profits from his crime spree.
Paterson was arrested on 16 December 2016, after police confiscated cocaine and heroin worth £1.3 million on the streets, plus £55,000 in cash.
Tech Whiz Ian Sweeney Jailed for Five Years
Paterson’s 51-year-old accomplice Ian Sweeney was found guilty of using technology to help Paterson avoid police surveillance between September and November 2016. He was sentenced to five years in jail.
Police Praise Hard Work in Takedown
“Lives and communities are ruined by drugs and these men had no thought for the misery they caused,” said Detective Inspector Julia Ogilvie from Police Scotland’s Organised Crime Unit. “They were intimidating and greedy, caring for no one but themselves. Now following a long investigation carried out by dedicated officers they have been brought to justice.
“I would like to pay tribute to the hard work carried out by the investigation team that has taken these criminals off the streets. At Police Scotland we will continue to work hard to combat this type of crime and we need the help of the public to do so. Anyone who has any information about the supply and sale of drugs should contact us via 101.
“If you want to provide information while remaining anonymous you can also call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
