Pubdate: Tue, 23 Dec 2003
Source: Daily Record (UK)
Copyright: 2003 Daily Record and Sunday Mail Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/111
Author: Steven Ventura

NHS PAYS GANGSTER TO GUARD DRUG UNIT

Murderer's Firm Win Contract

DRUG-RUNNING gangsters are guarding a rehabilitation clinic for heroin 
addicts. M&M Security fronted by murderer Paul McGovern got the contract to 
protect the new NHS addictions unit.

Convicted killer McGovern, 30, is part of a Glasgow crime clan who have 
made millions through the drugs trade. M&M are believed to be one of a 
number of fronts for their illegal operations.

The firm landed the contract to guard the new NHS unit being built at 
Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow.

A police source said: "This family have made a small fortune from dealing 
and are widely feared by rival gangs.

"M&M Security is one of the companies they operate with their crime partners.

"It's ironic they should end up guarding a site which will house the kind 
of people who made them their fortune."

Greater Glasgow Primary Health Care NHS Trust are funding the UKP1.7 
million, 15-bed rehab centre.

Labour MSP Paul Martin, whose Glasgow Springburnconstituency includes 
Stobhill, said: "I am due to meet the health board next week and I will be 
raising this issue with them."

The McGoverns are believed to launder their dirty cash through M&M, a 
private hire cab firm, pubs, a garage and a car wash.

Security firms are used by many crime syndicates for the same purpose.

The Executive will tightenup security firm licensing next year to stop 
criminals running the trade.

A trust spokeswoman said M&M were hired by builders Watson Construction.

She added: "We will urgently ensure this matter is brought to the attention 
of the builders."

Watson Construction, of West Calder, West Lothian, had not returned the 
Record's calls at the time of going to press.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager