A man who attempted to courier £250 000 worth of drugs across west central Scotland has today been convicted of the sale and supply of drugs.
Thomas Nelson, 45, couriered the illegal substances, which included cocaine, amphetamine and diamorphine, between Glasgow and Wishaw. He pleaded guilty today (Monday, October 5) at Glasgow High Court.
Nelson’s conviction is the result a Police Scotland covert operation, Operation Lapstone, which was led by the force’s Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit (OOCTU).
The operation ran for seven months and led to the dismantling of a major and established crime group.
Nelson will be sentenced at Glasgow High Court on Monday, November 2.
OCCTU Detective Chief Inspector Colin Boyle said: “Operation Lapstone was a major operation which is still seeing returns for Police Scotland.
“Nelson attempted to courier a large quantity of drugs across Scotland and it was through the hard work of Operation Lapstone officers that he was brought to justice.
“Through this operation we dismantled drug distribution channels and removed large quantities of illegal substances off Scotland’s streets.
“Tackling the sale and use of drugs continues to be a top priority for Police Scotland and as we move beyond Lapstone we will continue to target those responsible and bring them to justice.”
Detective Inspector Graeme Naysmith added: “Serious Organised Criminals undermine the efforts of those that are trying to make an honest living and cause misery in our community.
“Anyone wishing to report a drug crime in their community can contact Police Scotland through the non-emergency number 101. Information can also be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
