Get all the latest Glasgow news and headlines sent straight to your inbox twice a day by signing up to our free newsletter. McDowall: "For him and J. He said J asked me to ask you would you be interested in bringing some guns in? The unprecedented four-year surveillance offensive - Operation Folklore - launched by elite detectives to bring down Scotland's most serious criminal. These arrests demonstrate our unceasing commitment to pursue and arrest those suspected of criminality in Scotland, regardless of their location in the world."

Spain is still a great place to disappear, it’s big enough that you won’t stand out, and is full of tourists and expats,” said Walsh. “There are many like-minded criminals to work with, from all over the world, because it’s the European centre for the cocaine trade.” He said to earn a living “most end up continuing criminal activity, which is why a lot of them eventually get caught”. Stevenson's underworld reign ended last year when he was jailed for 13 years for laundering a million pounds of his dirty fortune.

'DANGEROUS INDIVIDUAL'

NCA Regional Head of Investigation for Scotland Gerry McLean said: “Any arrest of a fugitive over extremely serious allegations is a great result. Gallagher operated at the heart of Stevenson's mob and organised drugs and guns smuggling runs for Scotland's biggest crime gang.

McDowall: "No. He just said they'd been friends for quite a while. He said J is the man with the overall power but he's his lieutenant type of thing - his right-hand man. He said they were like brothers." He said: "Only four people knew about that run - him, me, Stevenson. and Gallagher. "My former friend is terrified of prison and I'm convinced it was him. I got the blame because I was the stranger in the camp and also a new face."

Caroline Stevenson, 49. Stevenson's wife and Carbin's mum. Also arrested by Folklore cops but money-laundering charges were dropped after her husband and son pleaded guilty.