A GANG member part of a massive cocaine trafficking operation is behind bars.

Stuart George played a vital role in the crime which started during the first Covid lockdown in 2020.

The 40-year-old was held after a raid at a drugs factory in Duntocher, West Dunbartonshire.

George pleaded guilty on Friday to a charge of being involved in serious and organised crime.

He had previously been jailed in 2010 after a £1.5m amphetamine haul was discovered in his flat when his boiler went on fire.

George had been on bail for this latest case, but was remanded in custody by judge Lord Clark.

He will be sentenced next month.

The High Court in Glasgow heard how George and other mob members communicated via encrypted EncroChat messages to try and hide what was happening.

Prosecutor Bill McVicar said George had the username "Whiteradio".

Mr McVicar added: "These messages were identified as part of a much larger inquiry involving police forces in France and the Netherlands."

The court heard George was being directed for the "collection and distribution" of cocaine and dirty money.

His role in the gang was described as "courier/driver".

Mr McVicar said the texts revealed George was involved in transporting 31kg of cocaine, which had a wholesale value of £1.2m.

It is believed, however, the potential sum would be far greater if split and adulterated into smaller amounts for sale.

Landscape gardener George, of Clydebank, also received £5630 in "wages".

Mr McVicar said: "In the messages, he was also given instructions on what to say if stopped by police driving during the lockdown."

Vehicles with "slots" - secret compartments to hide items - were also discussed.

On August 19, 2020, police then searched the garage unit in Duntocher.

The court heard a "chemical process" was taking place there with adulterant to bulk out drugs being removed to make a "purer form" of cocaine to sell.

Callum Hiller, defending, did not ask for George's bail to be continued.

Lord Clark deferred sentencing for reports until next month.