Former Mr Scotland jailed for involvement in 'lucrative' drug trafficking operation

A former Mr Scotland bodybuilder involved in a lucrative drug trafficking operation has been jailed for seven years.

John Barry McDuff was caught after authorities smashed the EncroChat phone network favoured by criminals.

Scores of hacked messages uncovered what the 40-year-old and his associates were up to.

One fellow dealer boasted to McDuff how they had “the biggest network in Glasgow”.

McDuff – who latterly worked at a sports nutrition store in the city’s west end – now faces a lengthy jail sentence after he admitted to a charge of being involved in serious organised crime.

He was previously crowned Mr Scotland in 2012 after winning the 90kg category at the National Amateur Bodybuilding Championships.

But, McDuff – once described as a “hero figure” – was jailed for three years in 2015 for drugs charges.

His latest offences spanned between March and June 2020.

Judge Lord Arthurson told him: “You have taken considerable steps while on remand to rehabilitate yourself and give insight on the damage of these drugs on people and communities.

“However, it is plain that a custodial sentence is appropriate.

“You were directly involved in the furtherance of serious organised crime and operations featuring substantial class A drugs over several months.”

The High Court in Glasgow earlier heard McDuff used handles such as “Biggie-Gla” on EncroChat to carry out the purchase, sale, supply and adulteration of controlled drugs, particularly cocaine and heroin.

Prosecutor Adrian Stalker said: “The totality of the conversations confirm that McDuff – acting with others – was involved in serious organised crime.”

He initially had chats with an associate using the nickname “glasgowceltic” discussing consignments of cocaine and heroin.

The individual known as “glasgowceltic” sent a photo of two blocks of drugs with a blue crocodile sticker on each.

There was a further discussion with another criminal about McDuff expecting a delivery of 60kg of cannabis.

An associate then inquired about the steroid Oxandrolone.

In relation to the collection of the drug at the shop, McDuff stated: “Yes, mate, open Sat 12-2”.

One fellow dealer was then chasing McDuff for around £100,000 apparently owed.

McDuff was later back in touch with “glasgowceltic”. This individual said he could supply him with six kilogrammes of cocaine and ten of heroin.

Mr Stalker said: “They then negotiated over the price agreeing £45,000 per kilo for cocaine and £18,000 each for heroin.”

In early April, McDuff had encrypted chats with an individual known as “burritocastle”.

This person stated to McDuff: “We are different from the rest. We will make it bro.

“We have the biggest network combined in Glasgow 100%.”

McDuff said: “Defo brother we will do just fine.”

The pair also spoke about having enough cash to be “sitting with 100 flats”.

The duo later discussed the trafficking cannabis.

Mr Stalker revealed there were further chats with “glasgowceltic” about large hauls of cocaine.

McDuff also discussed the supply of one million diazepam tablets valued at £600,000.

The court heard of more chats with “glasgowceltic” about McDuff owing £604,000.

Frances Connor, defending, told the sentencing: “While he thought it was benign steroid supply to others who were interested, he was asked to supply other drugs, particularly cocaine.

“Due to the people he was supplying to – other body builders who appeared healthy – he said he didn’t really give it much thought.

“He was asked to do something and put under pressure to do more and he said he did that.

“He is no longer interested in body building or steroids and is working in prison to persuade other young prisoners not to take drugs or get involved in steroids which he no longer thinks is benign.”