Three individuals have been brought to justice following their involvement in an organized crime network in both Glasgow and Ayrshire. Alan Stewart, Matthew Cullimore, and Leslie Montgomery were sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh for their pivotal roles in drug distribution and related offenses.
Details of the Arrest
In a coordinated effort on October 28, 2022, officers from Police Scotland’s Specialist Crime Division, Operational Support Division, Ayrshire Division, and Greater Glasgow Division executed warrants at seven properties situated in Kilmarnock, Irvine, and Glasgow. Their investigations unearthed substantial amounts of Class A and Class B drugs, including cocaine and amphetamine, with an estimated street value around £208,000. Additionally, over £211,000 in cash was seized during the operation.
The Extent of Criminal Activity
The criminal activities of Stewart, Cullimore, and Montgomery were found to span from March 2020 to October 2022. These men had been pivotal in distributing controlled substances throughout Kilmarnock and the broader Ayrshire region. Their arrest represents a significant victory in the ongoing battle against organized crime in Scotland.
Detective Superintendent Steven Elliot expressed the operation’s success, stating, “This operation undoubtedly caused significant disruption to a large-scale, cross-border supply chain bringing drugs into Scotland. Police Scotland will not allow criminals and organized crime groups to profit from other people’s misery.”
Community Impact and Law Enforcement Commitment
The successful arrests underline Police Scotland’s commitment to dismantling organized crime networks and mitigating the adverse effects of the drug trade on communities. Individuals and communities deeply affected by the drugs trade are encouraged to come forward with any information, with the assurance that their reports will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.
Deputy Procurator Fiscal for Serious Casework at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), Sineidin Corrins, commended the coordinated investigation, remarking, “This was a coordinated effort to distribute significant quantities of illegal and harmful drugs in Scotland. These men are now serving prison sentences thanks to an extensive police operation, working with COPFS, to investigate a network of drug supply.”
Public Cooperation and Future Measures
Authorities stress the importance of public cooperation in the ongoing efforts to combat drug distribution networks. Anyone with information on drug-related activities is urged to contact Police Scotland via 101 or remain anonymous by calling Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
The Crown Office and Police Scotland remain steadfast in their efforts to prosecute those involved in organized crime, utilizing all available legal measures to ensure community safety and wellbeing. This recent sentencing exemplifies the lengths to which law enforcement will go to protect the public and uphold the law.
