A man arrested for smuggling £1 million worth of cocaine emblazoned with the Twitter logo into Scotland through a secret compartment in the back of a van has been sentenced to six years in prison.
On September 5, 2023, Curtis James Taylor was stopped whilst driving a black Vauxhall Vivaro van on the M74 near Lesmahagow following information that there was a quantity of drugs in the vehicle.
When the van was taken to Coatbridge police station it was discovered, with the help of a scent dog, that it contained a hidden compartment in the rear which was operated by a modified key fob.
The modified key fob used to operate the Chamber of Secrets (Image: Crown Office)
Inside were found 10 block-shaped packets with the Twitter logo stamped on them, which were later found to contain cocaine.
The drug, weighing approximately 10kg, would have a street value of around £801,840 to £1,002,300 if chopped up and sold.
DNA from Curtis and another unidentified individual was found on the package.
Taylor, 30, from Liverpool, appeared at Glasgow High Court on Wednesday, May 15, where he admitted being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.
On July 23, the same court sentenced him to six years in prison.
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Moira Orr, head of murder and serious crime for the Crown Prosecution Service, said:
“This was an elaborate attempt to bring large quantities of illegal and harmful drugs over the border from England.
“Curtis Taylor will now serve a significant prison sentence thanks to the intelligence-led police and prosecutorial work.”
“We are determined to eradicate serious and organized crime.”
“We are targeting all those who pose a threat to communities across Scotland, from drug mules to those directing their movements.”
“Through cases like this, we can help reduce the harm these drugs cause in our communities.”