A man involved in criminal activities, using encrypted messages to facilitate the illegal trade of drugs and firearms, has been sentenced to jail. Allan Hughes, a 30-year-old resident of Clydebank in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland, was caught on camera with dangerous weapons he was trying to sell. This led to a significant investigation by the Organised Crime Partnership, comprising the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Police Scotland.
In June 2024, Hughes, also known as “Ali G”, was apprehended while exchanging packages containing £15,000 in cash and half a kilo of heroin with another individual. Prior to this, authorities had confiscated several of his devices, revealing numerous messages on encrypted platforms, as well as photos and videos of guns, ammunition, and drugs meant for distribution.
Having admitted to participating in serious organized crime, Hughes appeared in the High Court in Glasgow in November 2025. Today, on January 8, he was handed a sentence of six years and nine months in prison at the same court and will be placed under a Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO) for three years. He is already serving time for previous drug-related offenses.
Commenting on the case, Philip Marshall, Regional Head of Investigations at the NCA, emphasized that Hughes played a central role in the illegal trade of drugs and firearms by offering these items through encrypted messaging applications. Marshall condemned the reckless actions of individuals like Hughes, highlighting the grave risks they pose to public safety by selling firearms without regard for consequences.
Detective Chief Inspector Laura Sands of the Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit echoed Marshall’s sentiments, stressing the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat organized crime. Sands encouraged the public to come forward with any information related to criminal activities, emphasizing the importance of community support in tackling such crimes.
