A man accused of masterminding a worldwide drug smuggling ring with cocaine allegedly hidden in deliveries of fruit has blamed two men who are currently behind bars.

James Stevenson is said to have directed the trafficking operation which spanned the UK, Spain, Ecuador, and the luxury Nurai Island resort in Abu Dhabi.

The 59-year-old and five others appeared in the dock for the start of a trial at the High Court in Glasgow today. 

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Prosecutors have listed 14 charges in a seven-page indictment.

The accusations span between January and September 2020.

They include claims Stevenson allegedly ordered a Lloyd Cross, David Bilsland, 67, and un-named others to commit “a serious offence” by importing and supplying cocaine.

It is alleged the class A drug was to be “concealed in deliveries of fruit” destined for the “Glasgow Fruit Market” at an address in city’s Townhead.

Dirty money is said to have funded the set-up involving the purchase of equipment, leasing premises, buying cars, and registering company directors under fake names for the “Glasgow Fruit Market”.

Stevenson has lodged a special defence of incrimination for these charges and claimed the crimes were committed by Cross and a James White.

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Jurors were told that both men are serving in HMP Barlinnie and HMP Addiewell respectively.

A joint minute of agreed evidence was read out to the jurors before the trial was adjourned until the end of the month.

The document stated that there were consignments of bananas addressed to Glasgow Fruit Market between May and September 2020.

The UK Border Force searched the boxes and found packages of blocks of white powder.

The National Crime Agency examined the foil packages and took further samples from it.

There were a total of 119 foil packages each containing eight blocks making an overall total of 952 blocks.

Each block weighed one kilogram with a purity of "no less than 73%."

Stevenson is also accused of a number of other charges.

Among them, it is alleged he teamed up with another man for the “collection, storage and onward transmission” of £1.04m of criminal funds.

This was apparently helped with the use of “encrypted communication devices”.

One charge states Stevenson, Bilsland and 43-year-old Garry McIntyre were involved in “serious organised crime”.

The three face a separate charge under the Custom and Excise Management Act of being involved in the importation of controlled drugs.

The indictment further claims the trio were concerned in the supply of cocaine.

Stevenson and Gerard Carbin, 45, are said to have directed Paul Bowes, 53, Ryan McPhee, 34, and another individual to take part in the production and supply of street Valium and the tranquilliser Alprazolam.

A further charge claims Stevenson was involved in serious organised crime with a person now said to be in prison.

This is said to have involved the collection, adulteration, and supply of cocaine.

The indictment also states encrypted communication devices were used and "concealed hides" in cars for moving drugs.

The final charge claims Stevenson conspired with others to set fire to a number of properties and cars including a beauty salon in Hamilton.

A further special defence of incrimination were lodged by Stevenson against White, John Gurie and a Stephen Jamieson whose present whereabouts are unknown.

Thomas Ross KC represents Stevenson, Gary Allan KC appears for Bilsland and Tony Graham KC is acting for McIntyre.

Victoria Young is currently representing Carbin, Bob Mitchell appears for Bowes while Iain McSporran KC is acting for McPhee.

The trial was adjourned by Judge Lord Ericht until August 26.

The judge told jurors: "The current estimate is the trial will last until October 4."