Cops say they have caused major disruption to the 'local supply chain' of drugs after seizing £1.6m worth of cocaine.
John Gurie, 38, has been jailed for six years having been convicted at the High Court in Glasgow concerned in the supply of cocaine.
Gurie was stopped by cops from Police Scotland’s Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit while driving his car near his home in April 2020.
Raids were carried out on his home, van and lock up garage in East Kilbride, Lanarkshire.
Police say they discovered three kilos of cocaine at the address, with 11 kilos found concealed in a hidden storage area in Gurie’s van.
A hydraulic press, used to package drugs, was also found at lock-up garage cops searched.
The total estimated value of the cocaine, which had an 82 per cent purity, is between £1.4 and £1.6 million.
Police gathered Intelligence about Gurie's activities during Operation Venetic - major operation into serious and organised crime that involved forces across the UK, including the National Crime Agency.
Detective Chief Superintendent Stuart Houston, head of Organised Crime & Counter Terrorism for Police Scotland, said: “This seizure undoubtedly caused significant disruption to the local supply chain.
“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.
“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.”
David Green, procurator fiscal for major crime, said: "John Gurie was found to have a significant quantity of illegal and harmful drugs concealed in his home and van.
“It is thanks to strong co-operation between law enforcement partners that these drugs were found and taken off the streets.
"Drugs do great harm to communities across Scotland and we will continue to work as a key part of the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce to protect those communities."
