Gang war 'bounty' issued on head of jailed cocaine kingpin

A jailed cocaine kingpin is among those connected with an ongoing gang war that has forced the prison service to take extra precautions.

Earlier this year, an underworld feud ignited across the central belt with homes, cars and businesses firebombed, multiple assaults and threats issued.

Police Scotland launched a special task force, dubbed Operation Portaledge, to tackle the warring gangs following the rise in violence.

Having previously posted videos of some of the firebombings, a group named TMJ appears to have issued a bounty offering a reward for a violent attack on Scottish drug lord Mark Richardson.

Extra security precautions have been in place in Scottish prisons amid the increased threat of violence.

Richardson is currently serving jail time for his role in serious organised crime, drug offences and possession of a gun.

He was previously cleared of the attempted murder of Ross Monaghan outside a Glasgow primary school in January 2017.

Monaghan was killed outside a Spanish bar alongside Eddie Lyons Junior in May 2025.