CRIME boss Jamie 'Iceman' Stevenson is to appeal his 20-year jail term handed for fronting an international drug cartel.

The 59-year-old was sentenced last week after the law authorities carried out a huge drugs bust in 2020 when £76m of high-purity cocaine was found smuggled inside boxes of bananas in Dover.

A street Valium pill factory - which could churn out 250,000 tablets per hour - was also uncovered in Kent.

(Image: Courts)


READ MORE: Jamie 'Iceman' Stevenson jailed over running global drug smuggling ring


Stevenson had pleaded guilty mid-trial at the High Court in Glasgow to directing others to commit a serious offence and being involved in serious organised crime.

The Court of Appeal in Edinburgh today confirmed Stevenson is now contesting the jail term imposed by Judge Lord Ericht.

(Image: Courts)

An appeal against the sentence has been lodged by his legal team.

No court date has been set.

Five other members of the drugs gang were jailed last week after also admitting their roles in the mob.

Stevenson's stepson Gerard Carbin, 45, was sentenced to seven years, David Bilsland, 68, Lloyd Cross, 32, and Paul Bowes, 53, six years each while Ryan McPhee, 34, was locked up for four years.

Judge Lord Ericht told Stevenson at his sentencing: "You directed a complex operation for the importation and supply of cocaine.

“The operation involved cash being provided by you to fund David Bisland's apparent legitimate business.

“You used his experience and contacts to provide an appearance of legitimacy.

“You removed Bilsland as a director of Glasgow Fruit Market and registered in his place a vulnerable man who allowed his signature and identification to be used while he knew nothing.

"You [also] played a leading role in a complex operation of manufacturing and distribution of etizolam tablets.

"This operation included a manufacturing facility in Rochdale which when raided police seized 13-and-a-half million tablets with a wholesale value of £400,000.

"I am satisfied the total period [of imprisonment] is fair and proportionate."