Scourge exposed by Record

JULY 25, 2016: Record publishes first “blue plague” story after discovering shocking cluster of deaths in Ayrshire. We tell how six close friends from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s Toryglen constituency in Glasgow die within months of each other after taking etizolam – now emerging as the scourge of Scotland’s streets. Sturgeon tells Police Scotland to launch a crackdown on blue pill menace. Raids in north Glasgow launched after we reveal that Possilpark is a blue plague hotspot.

Police raid the factory set up by Eric Reid on Back Sneddon Street, Paisley, uncovering the biggest drugs operation in Scottish history.

Etizolam made a Class C drug after Police Scotland appeal to UK Government – penalty for dealing now up to 14 years in jail.

Eric Reid given eight-month driving ban and fine after being found intoxicated with etizolam from pill production.

Drug dealer Ryan Bradford, 33, is jailed for four years after being found with 400,000 pills in Possilpark. Co-accused Jodie Gilmour has not guilty pleas accepted. Drugs are suspected of being supplied by the Paisley gang.

Jamie Woods given six years after conviction for running an etizolam factory at a home in Howwood, Renfrewshire. Co-defendant Eric Reid and his son Mark cleared on not proven verdicts.

Paisley drug factory trial sees conviction of four members of gang, who are sentenced to a total of 19 years.