Van driver Kurtis Taylor caught with nearly £1m worth of cocaine during M74 raid

A van driver was caught with nearly £1m worth of cocaine in his vehicle after being stopped by police officers on a motorway.

Organised crime and counter terrorism officers stopped the van being driven by Kurtis Taylor on the M74 in September 2023 as part of their investigation.

Cocaine with an estimated street value of around £920,000 was recovered from the van the 30-year-old was driving.

Taylor pled guilty at the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday.

Detective Superintendent Steven Elliot of Police Scotland’s Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit said: “This seizure has undoubtedly caused significant disruption to the local supply chain of illegal substances, underlining our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.

“Police Scotland will not allow criminals and organised crime groups to profit from other people’s misery. We know that individuals and communities are deeply affected by the drugs trade.

“Information from the public is vital as part of our work to bring those responsible for making and supplying illegal substances to justice.

“Anyone who has information or concerns about the sale and supply of drugs is urged to contact Police Scotland via 101. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”