Allan Hughes, 30, from Clydebank in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland, has been jailed for using encrypted messaging to act as a ‘facilitator for illegal drugs and firearms’
A criminal who used encrypted messaging to act as a “facilitator for illegal drugs and firearms” has been jailed.
Allan Hughes, 30, from Clydebank in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland, filmed himself with deadly firearms he was attempting to sell, sparking a major investigation by the Organised Crime Partnership, made up of the National Crime Agency and Police Scotland.
Hughes, who used the nickname “Ali G”, was arrested in June 2024 when he and another person exchanged packages containing £15,000 in cash and half a kilo of heroin. One month earlier, officers seized a number of his devices, uncovering on one device thousands of messages on encrypted platforms, along with images and videos of firearms, ammunition and drugs, all intended for sale.
He later pleaded guilty to a charge of being involved in serious organised crime at the High Court in Glasgow in November 2025. Today (January 8), Hughes was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison at the same court and will be subject to a Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO) for three years. He is already serving time for other drug-related offences.
Facilitator of drugs and firearms
Philip Marshall, Regional Head of Investigations at the NCA, said: “Allan Hughes was a facilitator for illegal drugs and firearms with direct involvement in the sale and movement of these illegal commodities.
“He used a number of encrypted messaging apps offering firearms and ammunition to potential customers. The criminal use of firearms in Scotland relies on people like Hughes who sell guns to the highest bidder without any consideration for the risks involved or the threat to the public.
“The NCA will continue to work with our Police Scotland partners to stop career criminals like Hughes who bring such danger to our communities.”
Detective Chief Inspector Laura Sands, Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit, added: “This conviction and sentencing underlines our ongoing commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.
“We will continue to work with our partner agencies to tackle this type of criminal activity and ensure those responsible face justice. Information and support from the public is an essential part of our work. I would encourage anyone with information relating to organised crime to contact us through 101.”
