SNS GroupA crucial member of a major dial-a-drug gang helped get himself caught after a video of him hiding a large haul of dirty money was found by police.
Muhammad Hanif was an “administrator” for the food delivery-style narcotics operation headed by dealer Saad Qayyum.
Hanif worked closely with Qayyum’s trusted lieutenant, Ajaydeep Singh, in the trafficking business.
The 32-year-old admitted to his involvement in the gang at the High Court in Glasgow this week.
A judge heard how Qayyum, 37, posed as a “bona fide businessman”.
He was the director of the Quay Lounge shisha bar in the city’s Paisley Road, where “legitimate and criminal enterprise overlapped”
The kingpin also had a food company called SQZ Trading Limited.
Both firms were used to launder money.
Prosecutor Chris McKenna explained: “Qayyum utilised a drug distribution model comparable to a large-scale business, similar to many of the online food delivery services available.
“He had a huge customer base consisting of thousands, who were supplied with controlled drugs by an extensive network of drivers assisted by administrators and safe house holders.”
The group regularly sourced cocaine and ecstasy from underworld figure Ryan Carvil, 32, who split his time between Glasgow and a £34,000-a-year home in Dubai.
But the net closed in when Qayyum’s right-hand man, Singh, 32, was stopped by police with his Ford Ranger pick-up, which smelled of cannabis.
They then seized £4,000 in cash, digital scales, small bags of ketamine, white rocks of cocaine, another substance used to bulk out drugs for profit, as well as three phones.
One of the mobiles revealed a WhatsApp account called “Sam’s Party Shop”.
Mr McKenna: “A download of the data provided extensive evidence that a large drug dealing network was currently in operation involving organised crime.
“It prompted the Operation Arachnoid investigation.
“Over five million messages were recovered and analysed.”
The “Billy’s Multivitamins” account operated by Qayuum’s mob was also found, as well as another named “ZZZ”.
Police found contact with almost 4,000 “customers” looking for cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine.
Hanif’s involvement in the gang emerged during the probe – his role involved acting on the “instructions” of Singh.
Explaining what he did, Mr McKenna this week said: “The administrators played a crucial role in the overall success of the Arachnoid group’s drugs business.
“They were responsible for the entire transaction process of customers purchasing drugs, maintaining stock levels, recording the amount sold and how much money earned.
“Hanif was also responsible for directing the drivers to acquire the proceeds of the sale of drugs.”
They were further involved in “directing” a network of drivers to collect and transport narcotics.
A “menu/price list” was regularly sent out by an administrator to all of their customer contacts.
Hanif found to have been in regular touch with Singh, including chatting about their “boss” Qayyum, known as “Sandy”.
Referring to one, Mr McKenna told the court: “On February 24, 2020, Hanif shared a video of himself hiding a large quantity of cash within an air vent in the kitchen of the Quay Lounge.”
Hanif and Singh also discussed the “making” of drugs and being “cautious” about the police.
First offender Hanif, of Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, pled guilty in court to a serious organised crime charge spanning between 2019 and 2022.
He had been on bail, but was remanded in custody by Judge Lord Mulholland as sentencing was adjourned until next month.
Qayyum was sentenced to eight years and 10 months in February 2026 after he also admitted to his involvement.
The illegal trade was so awash with dirty cash that he drove a fleet of expensive cars, including a £314,000 McLaren 765T.
Carvil – who also pled guilty – was locked up for eight years and three months.
Singh was sentenced to seven and a half years, and a fourth man, 35-year-old Adeal Iqbal, to six and a half years at a previous hearing.
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