Undercover operation stopped gang

Kelbie, Stewart, Gorman and Johnston were caught in the operation

A major undercover police operation thwarted a gang flooding Moray with drugs, a court has been told.

William Kelbie, 39, Owen Gorman, 41, Donald Stewart, 36, and Stephen Johnston, 36, earlier admitted supply charges at the High Court in Glasgow.

The four dealt in cocaine, amphetamine, ecstasy and cannabis taken from the central belt to Elgin.

Sentence was deferred until next month for background reports. All four were remanded in custody.

Derick Nelson, prosecuting, told the court on Friday: "From the spring of 2006, Kelbie was involved in sourcing large quantities of cocaine and amphetamine. Stewart had a similar role in respect of ecstasy and cannabis.

"The drugs would be taken mainly to Chanonry caravan site in Elgin, a site set aside for travellers, where they would be sub-divided for onward distribution.

It is impossible to place an exact value on the drugs involved Derick Nelson Prosecutor

"Some of the drugs were hidden or buried on site, awaiting uplift by other in due course."

The court was told that substantial shipments of drugs would be regularly uplifted from Ward Park industrial estate in Cumbernauld or from the A9 at Perth and Dunkeld.

The drugs were then passed on to runners and sub-dealers.

Mr Nelson added: "It is impossible to place an exact value on the drugs involved."

About 100 police officers swooped at the Chanonry caravan site in March.

Kelbie admitted being involved in the supply of cocaine and amphetamine between 2006 and this year.

'Ruined lives'

Gorman admitted being concerned in the supply of amphetamine and cannabis resin from 2007 to this year.

Stewart admitted being concerned in the supply of ecstasy and cannabis resin between 2006 and 2008.

And Johnston admitted being concerned in the supply of amphetamine this year.

Toni MacKenzie, 21, who denied being concerned in the supply of amphetamine and cocaine, and James Stewart, 33, who denied being involved in the supply of heroin, cannabis resin and ecstasy, had walked free from court on Thursday after their not guilty pleas were accepted.

Temporary judge John Morrice deferred sentence on the four men. Defence counsel will make their pleas in mitigation then.

All four have previous convictions.

Supt Alan Smailes of Grampian Police said: "These people formed part of an organised crime group which ruined many lives across Moray."

The former Chanonry travellers' camp was demolished on health and safety grounds after the police operation.

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