Two men on trial with a suspect accused of masterminding a worldwide drug smuggling ring are now behind bars.

Gerard Carbin, 45, and Ryan McPhee, 34, today admitted to a charge of being involved in serious organised crime.

The pair had been on trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

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But today - via their KCs Donald Findlay and Iain McSporran - they pleaded guilty in front of jurors to the charge.

The indictment states they were involved in the production and supply of Etizolam between March and June 2020.

A number of locations are listed in the charge in Scotland, England and Abu Dhabi.

It is also said they were part of the concealing, transfer and possession of "criminal property" described as money.

Mr Findlay, defending Carbin, said: "I am instructed to tender a plea.

"I came into this case at the 11th hour and it is only with the assistance of the Crown in answering the many questions and requests for information that I was able to be in the position I am this morning.

"I acknowledge the positive approach by Mr Carbin since I was instructed."

McPhee's KC Mr McSporran stated that he instructed a plea in "similar terms."

Prosecutor Alex Prentice KC told the court he was accepting the pleas offered.

Lord Ericht went on to remand the duo in custody until a later date.

The trial will continue tomorrow where James Stevenson, 59, is said to have directed a drug trafficking operation which spanned the UK, Spain, Ecuador and the luxury Nurai Island resort in Abu Dhabi.

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.

Jurors earlier heard it took Scottish officers three days to search the 952 kilos of cocaine hidden in banana boxes which were sent from Ecuador between May and September 2020.

The purity of the 119 foils of cocaine recovered was not less than 73%.

Stevenson is joined in the dock by fruit merchant David Bisland, 67, Garry McIntyre, 43, and 53-year-old Paul Bowes.

Jurors heard Stevenson has lodged a special defence of incrimination towards others including convicted drug dealer John Gurie who was jailed for six years.