A MAN was sentenced to prison today after 250 kg of benzocaine was seized at Glasgow Airport.

John Jackson, 33, of Ayrshire, was arrested and charged with being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.

He plead guilty at Glasgow High Court on March 21 and was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison today.

Officers from the Organised Crime Partnership, a joint National Crime Agency and Police Scotland unit found the drugs, which are used legally as painkillers but routinely used by criminals as a cutting agent for cocaine.

NCA Operations Manager Rob Miles, of the Organised Crime Partnership, said: “This sentence comes as a result of strong partnership working with Police Scotland, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and Border Force.

“Benzocaine has legal pharmaceutical uses, and Jackson cynically attempted to exploit a legitimate company to get the product into Scotland and conceal his involvement in the cocaine trade.

“This seizure represents a substantial disruption of the crime group involved, denying them profit and reducing the availability of their product in Scottish communities.”

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Detective Inspector Tom Gillan, of the Organised Crime Partnership (Scotland), said: “This is a significant landmark result made possible by a team of dedicated investigators and supported by COPFS office.

“It serves as a strong reminder to those involved in maximising drug profits that the OCP are committed to targeting all aspect of drugs misuse across our communities.

“This sends a clear message that law enforcement will continue to work closely with all partners, public and private, to reduce the threat, risk and harm that organised criminals impact across Scotland.”

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Laura Buchan, Procurator Fiscal for Specialist Casework, said: “Illegal drugs do great harm to Scotland’s communities and it is vital we target every part of the chain in order to stem that harm.

“This includes prosecuting those who import and distribute benzocaine and other cuttings agents, and disrupting their operation.

“COPFS will continue to work with the Organised Crime Partnership and other agencies to tackle serious organised crime across Scotland.”