For prisoners sentenced to more than 10 years, the Parole Board make their recommendations to the Justice Secretary, who then decides whether to release on licence. His failure to identify Stevenson fatally weakened the smuggling charges against the crime boss, who was later jailed for 12 years for laundering s1million of drugs money. Yesterday, Labour justice spokesman Lewis Macdonald said: “I’m surprised to hear this and that anyone in these circumstances should get out of jail before the halfway point of their sentence – far less so when the conviction is of someone involved in organised crime. A prison service insider said: “The Parole Board expect the prison authorities to have allowed home visits to test suitability for release ahead of the first eligible parole date. In Stevenson’s case, that’s next February.

McDowall admits he may be never be safe from reprisals, adding: "I messed up. I'm paying the price and I will be doing so for the rest of my days.Tim Mairs, Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable said: “I am grateful for the assistance of the National Crime Agency and our international law enforcement partners in arresting the men who are wanted in Scotland. Stevenson is trying to keep his nose clean to convince the Parole Board that he poses no threat to society.

NCA regional head of investigation for Scotland Gerry McLean said: “Stevenson is one of Scotland’s most wanted fugitives. Description: Around 5ft 10in tall, suffers from asthma. Blue eyes, left handed, medium build greying hair. Stevenson, who likes to holiday in Dubai, ran his crime business from bases in Scotland, Amsterdam and Puerto Banus in southern Spain. One of the drivers turned supergrass as the Scottish Crime and Drugs Enforcement Agency targeted Stevenson during the four-year Operation Folklore, which ultimately led to him being jailed.Scotland’s most powerful mobster has been enjoying meals at expensive restaurants and socialising with pals after being allowed home for a week each month. McDowall, originally from Northern Ireland, had two meetings in Ayrshire with Stevenson. and his right-hand man Frank Gallagher and agreed to carry drugs during runs to and from flower markets in Holland.

Get all the latest Glasgow news and headlines sent straight to your inbox twice a day by signing up to our free newsletter. Drug cops also shut down a suspected pill factory responsible for manufacturing more than 28 million ‘street valium’ tablets believed to be connected to the 56-year-old in June 2020 during a raid on a premises in Kent. THE right-hand man of Scotland's most powerful crime boss Jamie "The Iceman" Stevenson can be unmasked today.Important police informants such as McDowall come under the remit of the Scottish Witness Liaison Unit (SWLU). NCA Regional Head of Investigation for Scotland Gerry McLean said: “Any arrest of a fugitive over extremely serious allegations is a great result. Jamie "Iceman" Stevenson, from Rutherglen, was out jogging in Amsterdam when he was arrested by officers at around noon today (Friday, February 4). My son was also given the choice and he decided to stay. He's now 22 and I last saw him as a teenager. Stevenson, 47, has been spotted at Bothwell Bar & Brasserie, which is run by his friend Stewart Gilmore.

The source added: “This has been a lengthy battle but it looks like it will finally come to an end in May.”A SUPERGRASS on the run after exposing Scotland's most powerful crime boss has broken cover to tell all to the Sunday Mail. Now McDowall, who was released from prison early after having his sentence halved on appeal, is in hiding in fear of his life and far from his partner and family. Crime: Supply of MDMA, methylphenidate (a pharmaceutical drug) and diazepam. Mayle fled after being charged. He allegedly ran a drug line in South London and Surrey called the Flavour Quest. He worked with a dark web drug dealer buying and selling drugs between each other for onward sales through their respective drug networks. They sold LSD and various pharmaceutical medication. Mr Rodhouse said: "We have a brilliant relationship with the country’s various law enforcement agencies and work together daily to protect the public. These arrests demonstrate our unceasing commitment to pursue and arrest those suspected of criminality in Scotland, regardless of their location in the world."