**Notorious Gangster Revisits Trauma 40 Years Later**
In an astonishing revelation, reformed drug dealer Billy McKay recounted a harrowing incident involving a firearm and Paul Ferris’ associate, Joe ‘Bananas’ Hanlon, during a recent appearance on podcaster Brian Anderson’s Naked City show. This shocking confession comes a staggering 40 years after the chilling encounter occurred in the late 1980s, shortly before Ferris’ recent passing in an Ayrshire hospital.
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The 62-year-old McKay reflected on his past, recalling how he was operating within a dangerous world of organised crime, selling significant quantities of temazepam capsules to key figures such as Arthur Thomson Snr and Tam McGraw. Despite the lucrative nature of his dealings, McGraw aimed to lower the cost of the drugs, dispatching Hanlon and his brother-in-law, John ‘Snaz’ Adams, to negotiate a more favourable price.
“I found myself taken away in a car by the Barlanark Team,” McKay shared. “Joe ‘Bananas’ placed a gun in my mouth, demanding temazepam for 30 pence, despite selling them on the streets for £1.50.” The high-stakes world of illicit drug trade was evident, as McKay was dealing in hundreds of thousands of capsules. Ultimately, rather than capitulating fully to Hanlon’s demands, he negotiated for a price of 35 pence per capsule.
As time progressed, Hanlon grew disillusioned with his partnership with McGraw, eventually aligning himself with Ferris and Bobby Glover. Their criminal journey took a deadly turn when they faced accusations related to the murder of Arthur Thomson Jnr in 1991. Tragically, both Hanlon and Glover would find their own lives cut short under violent circumstances shortly before Thomson’s funeral.
McKay’s own life took a tumultuous turn as addiction to drugs spiralled out of control, leading him to a psychiatric unit and subsequently into rehabilitation. He now credits divine intervention for his recovery and has penned a memoir titled *Who Turned the Light On*, sharing his journey from an early life of theft and addiction to becoming a recovery mentor. Through his experiences, he seeks to inspire those grappling with similar struggles, asserting, “You need to realign your mind.”
This deeply personal story is yet another reminder of the entangled lives affected by Glasgow’s notorious gangland history, and echoes the transformative power of recovery and redemption.
*In summary, Billy McKay’s dramatic narration sheds light on the violent and perilous lifestyle associated with drug dealing, while simultaneously showcasing his remarkable transformation from addiction to recovery. His candid reflections serve not only as a cautionary tale but as a source of hope for others seeking to escape the grips of substance abuse.*