A crime gang member involved in the trafficking of more than £1m of cocaine has been jailed for ten years.
Steven Gribble was locked up at the High Court in Glasgow.
The 42-year-old – who had a previous conviction for the same crime – admitted being concerned in the supply of almost 12kg of high purity cocaine between November 4 and 14 2023.
Lord Fairley told him: “The charge has a serious crime aggravation.
“You accept that you had a controlling interest in an organised crime group in the north east of Scotland.
“Having regard to your leading role in the OCG, your record and substantial quantity of drugs, if you had been convicted after trial, I would have sentenced you to 15 years.
“Taking account of your plea, the sentence will be one of ten years.”
His lawyer told the hearing Gribble had attempted to turn his back on crime and “tried to make something of himself”.
But, David Moggach, defending, said he suffered a personal issue and then “foolishly” got in contact with others involved in drug trafficking.
The advocate stated despite Gribble’s being a vital part of the OCG, he “stayed in a council house…living a fairly modest lifestyle” with “no trappings of wealth”.