Clydebank man jailed after attempting to sell firearms and drugs through encrypted messaging

A Clydebank man has been jailed after he attempted to sell firearms and drugs using encrypted messaging.

Allan Hughes was arrested in June 2024 after officers from the National Crime Agency and Police Scotland seized a number of devices.

Thousands of images and videos of numerous firearms, ammunition and drugs, were found on encrypted platforms, all of which the 30-year-old was attempting to sell.

Hughes also recorded videos of himself wielding the guns. Hughes was arrested alongside Claudio Cutajar when they exchanged packages containing £15,000 in cash and half a kilo of heroin.

The dealer pled guilty to a charge of being involved in serious organised crime at the High Court in Glasgow in November 2025.

Hughes was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison at the same court on Thursday. He is subject to a Serious Crime Prevention Order for three years.

The 30-year-old is already imprisoned for other drug related offences.

Philip Marshall, regional head of investigations at the NCA, said: “Allan Hughes was a facilitator for illegal drugs and firearms with direct involvement in the sale and movement of these illegal commodities.

“He used a number of encrypted messaging apps offering firearms and ammunition to potential customers.

“The criminal use of firearms in Scotland relies on people like Hughes who sell guns to the highest bidder without any consideration for the risks involved or the threat to the public.

“The NCA will continue to work with our Police Scotland partners to stop career criminals like Hughes who bring such danger to our communities.”

Cutajar also pled guilty to being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs and was jailed for 16 months on June 17.

Detective Chief Inspector Laura Sands, Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit, said: “This conviction and sentencing underlines our ongoing commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.

“We will continue to work with our partner agencies to tackle this type of criminal activity and ensure those responsible face justice.

“Information and support from the public is an essential part of our work. I would encourage anyone with information relating to organised crime to contact us through 101.”