East Kilbride man sentenced for drugs offences up to £1.6M

John Gurie, 38, was previously convicted at the High Court in Glasgow for being concerned in the supply of drugs. He has now been jailed for six years.

In April 2020, Gurie was stopped by officers from Police Scotland’s Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit while driving his car near his home.

Three kilos of cocaine were recovered from the address, with 11 kilos found concealed within a hidden storage area in Gurie’s van.

A lock-up garage was also searched and a hydraulic press, used to package drugs, was found. The total estimated value of the cocaine, which had an 82% purity, is between £1.4 and £1.6 million.

Intelligence about Gurie's activities was obtained during Operation Venetic, which is regarded as the most significant ever operation into serious and organised crime involving the National Crime Agency and police forces across the UK, including Police Scotland.

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."