'Key' gangster in drug operation jailed after extradition to Scotland from Dubai

A gangster who played a "key" role in a multi-million-pound drugs operation has been jailed for six years after being extradited to Scotland 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.

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

On Thursday, the High Court in Glasgow heard how he used the encrypted messaging platform EncroChat to conduct his dealings, operating under the username "patrolstaff".

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 said the period of offending began on 28 March 2020, with Jamieson offering five million etizolam pills for sale on the platform.

Further 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 cash.

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 "Iceman" Jamie Stevenson, who is in jail having admitted directing and being involved in organised crime.

Jamieson could also be seen arranging the collection of money 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 Jamieson was arrested in Dubai on 20 June 2025 before being released on bail on 1 September.

He was re-arrested two weeks later, and went on to consent to being extradited back to the UK.

Jamieson was again arrested upon arriving at Glasgow Airport on 18 December.

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

The judge added: "Your role was a key operational role [and of] significant financial benefit to you."

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Lord Scott 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 5 July 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 said 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, showed no reaction as the punishment was handed down.

Detective Superintendent Steven Elliott said: "We work tirelessly every day to disrupt the activities of those involved in serious organised crime, who think they are above the law, and in some way untouchable.

"This conviction shows this is not the case.

"We will continue to work with our partners, in this country and abroad, to ensure that those involved in this kind of criminality - wherever in the world they choose to hide - are brought to justice.

"We are extremely grateful for the cooperation and support from the National Crime Agency and law enforcement partners in the United Arab Emirates in this case."

(c) Sky News 2026: 'Key' gangster in drug operation jailed after extradition to Scotland from Dubai