A gangland figure who was a fixer in the supply of deadly firearms has been sentenced to almost seven years in prison.
Allan Hughes - who used the nickname "Ali G" - was caught after recording himself handling guns.
The 29-year-old mechanic was in regular contact with fellow criminals both here and in Europe about the sale of weapons.
But he was snared after police seized a mobile phone with incriminating videos and messages on it.
Hughes today appeared at the High Court in Glasgow.
He had earlier admitted to a charge of being involved in serious organised crime.
Lord Cubie sentenced him to six years and nine months.
This will only start after the end of another jail term previously imposed for drug trafficking.
The judge told him: "You were in contact with seven individuals and corresponded in relation to a total of at least 42 different firearms.
"The prosecution calculated that the value of the weapons was in excess of £200k.
"The images and messages make it clear that you offered to provide specific firearms in your possession to various parties.
"You were apparently, on your account, introduced into this world as a result of being 'in over your head'.
"Your conduct involved pre-planning, coordination and organisation.
"You were hands-on and active in the market for these illegal weapons."
On May 3, 2024, police had reason to seize a mobile from Hughes.
He later messaged a person on an iPhone stating: "They took a Samsung, I am down the swanny with. I am f****d on that phone".
Prosecutor David Dickson KC explained: "The device was examined and showed Hughes demonstrating the mechanisms of three different handguns."
The weapons were said to be a Beretta pistol, a Turkish hunting firearm and a further self-loading pistol.
The short video clips - which did not show Hughes' face, but had him wearing blue protective gloves while holding the guns - were played at the hearing this week.
Mr Dickson said that between July 2023 and May 2024, Hughes exchanged messages with several individuals about guns.
This included him being in contact with an associate in the Netherlands that "someone from Liverpool" was interested in two firearms.
Mr Dickson: "Hughes was acting as a conduit for their purchase and supply."
Another person asked Hughes to travel to Orkney to "speak" to others who seemingly owed cash to this individual.
Hughes, of Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, replied that he had been "away digging metal" before sending photos of firearms.
In early December 2023, Hughes - using the handle 'Ali G' on the Telegram messaging app - was in contact with a German-based associate known as 'Hoopy'.
Mr Dickson: "Hughes indicated that he had a small Beretta, a Walther gun and US police firearm.
"He sent a video which was unplayable to 'Hoopy'. Hughes said the Walther was for sale at £8000 and the American weapon £9000.
"The individual 'Hoopy' replied he would pay £12,000 if supplied with ammunition.
"Hughes resent the video, which was recovered on the Samsung and was him demonstrating the three weapons."
Hughes described two of the guns as "belters".
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He was also in touch with another contact using the encrypted Signal app.
Hughes asked if anyone was looking for "9mm sheet metal", a reference to guns, as well as bullets.
Hughes further sent another associate a video of him handling a weapon.
This individual replied the quoted cost for the firearms was "too expensive".
On May 31, 2024, Hughes was back on Telegram, stating to a contact he had "25 German Walther firearms" priced as £7500 each, together with ammunition.
He went on to lower the cost to £7000.
The same day, Hughes used another encrypted text app under the name "Don King".
Mr Dickson: "In this exchange, Hughes discussed selling 3D printed firearms and indicated that they were German-manufactured.
"The other person confirmed he had seen similar weapons and said they did not look or feel 3D - in other words, appeared and operated as traditional firearms.
"The price again was £7000 a piece."
On June 5, 2024, Hughes was separately involved in a £15,000 heroin handover with a Liverpudlian man in Clydebank.
A total of almost £20,000 was also found in this individual's van.
Graeme Brown, defending, today said the gun crime was "a continuation and escalation" of his previous involvement in drug trafficking.
Hughes was also hit with a three-year Serious Crime Prevention Order - known as a super-Asbo - designed to monitor and restrict criminals on their release from jail.
Philip Marshall, Regional Head of Investigations at the NCA, said: "Allan Hughes was a facilitator for illegal drugs and firearms with direct involvement in the sale and movement of these illegal commodities.
"He used a number of encrypted messaging apps offering firearms and ammunition to potential customers.
"The criminal use of firearms in Scotland relies on people like Hughes who sell guns to the highest bidder without any consideration for the risks involved or the threat to the public.
"The NCA will continue to work with our Police Scotland partners to stop career criminals like Hughes who bring such danger to our communities."
Detective Chief Inspector Laura Sands, Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit, said: "This conviction and sentencing underlines our ongoing commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country's Serious Organised Crime Strategy.
"We will continue to work with our partner agencies to tackle this type of criminal activity and ensure those responsible face justice.
"Information and support from the public is an essential part of our work. I would encourage anyone with information relating to organised crime to contact us through 101."
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