Three men jailed following the recovery of £1million in cash and £40,000 of drugs in Lanarkshire

Three men have been sentenced following the recovery of over £1 million in cash and drugs with a street value of almost £40,000 in Lanarkshire.

At the High Court in Glasgow on Thursday, 21 December, 2023, Steven Black, aged 49, was jailed for nine years, Lee Johnston, aged 39, for 27 months, and Robert Turkiewicz, aged 47, also for 27 months.



They pled guilty at an earlier hearing in connection with a series of organised crime and drugs charges.

This followed an intelligence led operation in June 2020 that saw officers execute warrants at various addresses between Airdrie and Shotts.

More than £1million in cash was seized along with eight kilos of cannabis worth around £30,000 and 350 grams of cocaine worth around £7,500.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry, of Police Scotland’s Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit, said: “This significant seizure undoubtedly has caused significant disruption to the local supply chain of illegal substances and reinforces Police Scotland’s commitment to target the supply and distribution of controlled drugs.

“Police Scotland will not allow criminals and organised crime groups to profit from other people’s misery. We know that individuals and communities are deeply affected by the drugs trade.

“Information from the public is vital as part of our work to bring those responsible for making and supplying illegal substances to justice.

“Anyone who has information or concerns about the sale and supply of drugs is urged to contact Police Scotland via 101. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”