The man behind a hidden website used to buy and sell illegal drugs across Europe has been brought down after an operation involving the FBI.

Police Scotland identified 26-year-old David Trail after receiving information from the American agency, West Hessen Police in Germany and the UK National Crime Agency.

They executed a search warrant at an address on Watson Crescent, Edinburgh, on November 6, 2014.

He pleaded guilty to two charges at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, being connected with the supply of diazepam and computer misuse.

Both charges were aggravated by connections to serious organised crime.

Detective inspector Brian Stuart, of Police Scotland's cybercrime unit, said: "The conviction of Mr Trail is the culmination of significant collaboration between Police Scotland, the FBI, West Hessen Police and the National Crime Agency.

"There is no doubt that the early intervention of law enforcement prevented Trail from peddling drugs in his serious and organised criminal enterprise.

"The tenacity shown by our officers, as well as our German, American and NCA colleagues, led to this successful result.

"New and traditional policing technique's assisted in bringing Mr Trail to justice.

"Following information from colleagues in FBI, West Hessen Police and the NCA, Police Scotland identified David Trail and his operation and ownership of a hidden website designed to enable its users to buy and sell illegal drugs anonymously and beyond the reach of law enforcement.

"His targeting of a previous employer and overcoming their security almost had a devastating effect on the companies' ability to remain in business.

"The conviction of Mr Trail should serve as a reminder to those wishing to involve themselves in criminal enterprises on the internet that there is no hiding place.

"Police Scotland is committed to keeping people and businesses safe and will use its worldwide network of contacts to bring those engaged in criminal activity before the courts."

Sentence was deferred on Trail for reports until June 23.