Glasgow drug traffickers sentenced to combined total of 19 years in jail

Their crimes took place in Aberdeen, Dundee, Fife and Kinross

James Paterson has been jailed for 14 years.
Author: Kara ConwayPublished 21st Mar 2023

A senior police officer has said two "greedy" criminals who were involved in drug trafficking across Aberdeen, Dundee, Fife and Kinross had "no thought for the misery they caused" as a result of their actions.

James Paterson and Ian Sweeney were jailed after a six week trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

It comes after an investigation saw the recovery of Class A drugs with a street value of £1.3 million and £55,000 in cash from their criminal network.

Mr Paterson, who is 34, was found guilty of supplying cocaine and heroin between December 2015 and December 2016. Other crimes he was found guilty of include money laundering and directing others to supply cocaine on his behalf. He will spend 14 years behind bars.

While Ian Sweeney, 51, was sentenced to five years for using technology to carry our counter surveillance measures on behalf of Mr Paterson between September 2016 and November 2016.

Detective Inspector Julia Ogilvie, of Police Scotland’s Organised Crime Unit, said:

“Lives and communities are ruined by drugs and these men had no thought for the misery they caused.

“They were intimidating and greedy, caring for no one but themselves. Now following a long investigation carried out by dedicated officers they have been brought to justice.

“I would like to pay tribute to the hard work carried out by the investigation team that has taken these criminals off the streets."

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