Top cop says organised crime a ‘priority’ as gang sentenced
ATOP cop has said tackling serious and organised crime is a “priority” after the sentencing of a gang of drug dealers in Glasgow.
Detective Inspector Craig McPhail of the city’s serious and organised crime pro-active unit said he welcomed the sentencing of Anthony O’Hare, 33, William Scott, 40, and Michael Hamilton, 50 at the High Court in Glasgow on Tuesday.
O’Hare was sentenced to eight years in prison for directing serious and organised crime, drugs offences, and proceeds of crime act offences.
His co-accused Scott received three years in prison for drugs offences. Hamilton had his sentence deferred for drugs offences until next month.
McPhail also urged the public to assist the police in tackling drug crime in Glasgow.
He went on: “We welcome the sentencing of O’Hare and Scott who were involved in a drugs ring that brought large amounts of Class A drugs, namely heroin and cocaine worth in excess of £500,000 into Scotland where it would then be distributed across the country.
“Tackling serious and organised crime continues to be one of our main priorities and those who take part in the drug supply chain should realise that we will use all means at our disposal to bring them to justice. It is worthy of note that this is Anthony O’Hare’s second conviction now under serious and organised crime legislation in recent years.
“Police Scotland are absolutely committed to working with partners, including the Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service, to ensure that individuals like O’Hare are brought to justice.
“The public continue to play a vital role in assisting us in reporting of drug crime and I would encourage anyone with information or concerns about this sort of criminality in their community to report it to Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
O’Hare returned to crime after being released in 2017.
He was jailed for seven years in 2013 for his role in a £2million drugs and dirty money operation.
Hamilton had been waiting for a kidney transplant when he was arrested.