A man is accused of masterminding a worldwide drug smuggling ring with cocaine allegedly hidden in deliveries of fruit.

James Stevenson is said to have directed the trafficking operation which spanned the UK, Spain, Ecuador and the luxury Nurai Island resort in Abu Dhabi.

The 57-year-old and six others will now stand trial next year in what could be an eight-week case.

A hearing called today at the High Court in Glasgow before judge Lord Armstrong.

Prosecutors have listed 14 charges in a seven-page indictment.

The accusations span between January and September 2020.

They include claims Stevenson allegedly ordered Lloyd Cross, 31, David Bilsland, 66, and un-named others to commit “a serious offence” by importing and supplying cocaine.

It is alleged the class A drug was to be “concealed in deliveries of fruit” destined for the “Glasgow Fruit Market” at an address in city’s Townhead.

Dirty money is said to have funded the set-up involving the purchase of equipment, leasing premises, buying cars and registering company directors under fake names for the “Glasgow Fruit Market”

Stevenson is also accused of a number of other charges.

Among them, it is alleged he teamed up with another man for the “collection, storage and onward transmission” of £1.04m of criminal funds.

This was apparently helped with the use of “encrypted communication devices”.

One charge states Stevenson, Bilsland, Cross and 42-year-old Garry McIntyre were involved in “serious organised crime”.

The four face a separate charge under the Custom and Excise Management Act of being involved in the importation of controlled drugs.

The indictment further claims the quartet were concerned in the supply of cocaine.

Stevenson and Gerard Carbin, 43, are said to have directed Paul Bowes, 51, Ryan McPhee, 33, and another individual to take part in the production and supply of street Valium and the tranquilliser Alprazolam.

A further charge claims Stevenson was involved in serious organised crime with a person now said to be in prison.

This is said to have involved the collection, adulteration and supply of cocaine.

The indictment also states encrypted communication devices were used and "concealed hides" in cars for moving drugs.

The final charge claims Stevenson conspired with others to set fire to a number of properties and cars including a beauty salon in Hamilton, Lanarkshire.

The men - apart from McIntyre who had his attendance excused - were in the dock today.

Lawyers pleaded not guilty on their behalf.

Prosecutor Alex Prentice KC told the court: "It will be obvious that this is a large case and very complex evidence."

He added without the agreement of certain evidence the trial could be "very lengthy indeed".

The current estimate given today was the case could last between 30-40 days.

Lord Armstrong fixed a trial due to start in August 2024.

A further hearing will take place before then in September this year.