SCOTTISH CRIME AND DRUG
ENFORCEMENT AGENCY

5 August 2008

ABERDEEN GUILTY PLEAS COMPLETE 80 YEAR JAIL RESULT AGAINST ORGANISED CRIME GROUP

Today at the High Court in Aberdeen, two individuals were sentenced to a combined 14 years after admitting serious drug and money laundering offences.

The sentences mark the culmination of a long-running and highly-successful Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency (SCDEA) operation - codenamed ACUMEN - aimed at dismantling the supply of drugs in the north-east and across Scotland.

Today, Donald Birrell, 39, was sentenced to 10 years in relation to charges of money laundering and fraud, and Karen Johnstone, 46 was sentenced to four years for drugs trafficking.

Overall since 2005, the operation has resulted in 37 people being charged with being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs and related charges. In total, almost 80 years of jail sentences have been imposed as a result of the operation.

These included Alan Groves who, whilst a prisoner at HMP Perth, controlled a major drug dealing operation in the north east of Scotland. Groves was sentenced to four years in prison.

Johnny Gwynne, Acting Deputy Director-General of the SCDEA, said:

“This detailed investigation targeted an organised crime group which was affecting communities across a significant area of Scotland – with a particular focus in the north-east. Seeing operations like this concluding successfully is why we are here – to bring some respite to people struggling with the affects of drug abuse in their lives, homes or families.

“The successful conclusion of this whole operation is the result of excellent partnership working between the SCDEA, Grampian Police, colleagues in the rest of the Scottish Police Service, and the Scottish Prison Service (SPS). The arrest and successful prosecution of several of those responsible should be taken as confirmation that prison is no safe haven for those who continue their criminal activities to the detriment of Scottish communities.

“The SCDEA together with colleagues across the police service remain committed to stemming the flow of illicit drugs into our communities. Our objective is to reach a point where we are constantly ahead of the criminals, arresting them, disabling their capability and seizing their assets before they become established.

”Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison service said:

“The Scottish Prison Service has worked for over two years in partnership with the SCDEA on this operation and we are delighted with the outcome of this successful joint venture. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that those incarcerated are restricted from their criminal activity there is no doubt that they will use their ingenuity to attempt to overcome the system. This will not be tolerated and the SPS will do everything in its power to work with our partners in the criminal justice system to eradicate criminal activity from our prisons.”