First Minister’s brother-in-law charged with supplying heroin

First Minister Humza Yousaf’s brother-in-law has been charged with supplying heroin and being in possession of cocaine and cannabis.

Ramsay El-Nakla, 36 appeared on petition at Dundee Sheriff Court on Monday, charged with drug offences including supplying heroin, along with Stephen Stewart, 50 and Victoria McGowan, 41.

El-Nakla, of Dundee, is the brother-in-law of Mr Yousaf.

Court papers state El-Nakla, Stewart and McGowan were allegedly concerned in “supplying a class A drug, namely diamorphine (heroin)”.

There may well be (a statement) but I'm very keen not be seen to interfere with any court case let alone one involving my brother-in-law

They are further charged with being in possession of cocaine and cannabis.

The offences are alleged to have happened at 12F Balmoral Gardens in Dundee on Thursday.

McGowan, of Dundee, is accused of committing the offences while on bail.

All three made no plea at the court hearing.

The trio were arrested on Thursday, January 12.

Asked about the case earlier on Monday, Mr Yousaf told the PA news agency: “Well I can’t comment because it is a live court case. It is due to call today.

“It would be inappropriate for me to comment at this stage.

“There may well be (a statement) but I’m very keen not be seen to interfere with any court case, let alone one involving my brother in law.”

El Nakla, Stewart, who is listed in court papers as being of no fixed abode, and McGowan will appear in court again at a later date.