‘Key’ player in drug operation jailed for six years after extradition from Dubai

A man who played a “key” role in a multi-million-pound drugs operation has been jailed for six years after being extradited from the United Arab Emirates.

Stephen Jamieson, 43, admitted being involved in the collection and supply of cocaine, diamorphine (heroin) and class C drug etizolam over a 54-day period in 2020.

He used the proceeds of his offending to travel to and from Dubai and purchase watches and cars – including, he told an associate, spending £146,000 on a Jeep.

The High Court in Glasgow on Thursday heard Jamieson used the encrypted messaging platform EncroChat to conduct his dealings, operating under the username “patrolstaff”.

Machine used for the production of tablets COPFS

His offending came to light when the platform, which was “commonly used by those involved in organised crime”, was hacked by law enforcement agencies.

Prosecutor Michael Mcintosh told the court the period of offending began in 2020, with Jamieson offering five million etizolam pills for sale on the platform on March 28.

Further exchanges of messages over the ensuing weeks included discussions of how much he was charging for cocaine and heroin.

One exchange showed him arranging the time and place for the supply of 2kg of heroin, while on “numerous occasions”, Jamieson used the platform to make arrangements for the collection of money.

Mr Mcintosh said Jamieson’s interlocutors on EncroChat included men who have since been convicted of drug offences and involvement in organised crime.

The exchanges show Jamieson had a “business relationship” with Jamie Stevenson, who is currently behind bars, having admitted directing and being involved in organised crime.

Two compressed blocks of brown powder COPFS

Jamieson could also be seen arranging the collection of cash with Stephen O’Donnell, who has since pleaded guilty to possessing criminal property, and discussing a possible buyer of cocaine with John Gurie, who has admitted being concerned in the supply of the class A drug.

It is understood that Jamieson was arrested in Dubai on June 20 last year before being released on bail on September 1.

It is understood he was then arrested again on September 16, and that he consented to extradition back to the UK on November 4.

He was arrested upon arriving at Glasgow Airport on December 18.

Sentencing Jamieson, judge Lord Scott told him he had knowingly taken part in a “significant organised criminal operation for a period of 54 days”.

He went on: “Your role was a key operational role (and of) significant financial benefit to you.”

The judge told him that, having regard to the “whole circumstances of the case, in particular the gravity of the crime”, a custodial sentence was necessary to serve as a punishment and to “protect the public”.

He sentenced him to six years in prison, backdated to July 5, 2025, to take account of the period already spent in custody, as well as a four-year serious crime prevention order to take effect upon his release.

Lord Scott added the sentence “might appear lenient”, but it would have been a prison term of nine years had Jamieson not pleaded guilty as early as he did.

Jamieson, who attending the sentencing hearing by videolink from prison dressed in a blue sweater, showed no reaction as the punishment was handed down.

‘No hiding place for fugitives wanted by UK law enforcement’

NCA Deputy Director Rick Jones said: “Our international network worked closely with colleagues in Police Scotland and the Dubai authorities, who are key partners for us in the fight against organised crime, to bring about this extradition. The NCA’s reach is global and, as this case demonstrates, there is no hiding place for fugitives wanted by UK law enforcement. We will track them down and bring them to justice.”

Prosecutor Sineidin Corrins, of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, said: “Stephen Jamieson has now been brought to account for his crimes thanks to a coordinated effort by prosecutors, Police Scotland and international partners to deter and disrupt this type of criminality.

“He was a significant figure in Scotland’s serious organised crime landscape.

“EncroChat was a major tranche of evidence in this case, which specialist law enforcement officers had to collect and ingather as evidence.

“The Serious Crime Prevention Order granted against Jamieson is a powerful tool in combatting serious organised crime.

“As a result of this order, the ability of Jamieson to return to serious organised crime will be significantly restricted. Breach of a SCPO carries a potential five-year prison sentence.

“As well as prosecuting criminals, COPFS is using all the tools available to us to protect Scottish communities from the harm done by serious organised crime gangs.

“SCPOs are one of the ways we can do that, ensuring restrictions are placed on offenders’ activities and that they are subject to monitoring upon their release from prison.

“Prosecutors will continue to apply for SCPOs whenever appropriate as part of our commitment to use every means available to keep Scotland’s communities safe.”

Detective superintendent Steven Elliott added: “This conviction is testament to the hard work and determination of those who undertook a complex investigation.

“It also underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.

“Information and support from the public is vital to our work and I would encourage anyone with concerns about serious organised crime or drug offences in their community to contact us via 101.”