Drug dealers posted cocaine from Colombia
PAIR CAUGHT AFTER ENCROCHAT NETWORK SMASHED
TWO DRUG dealers have been jailed after cocaine was imported in the post from Colombia.
The pair were caught after the secret communications network they used was smashed.
The North West Regional Organised Crime Unit said in a statement that Ian Cary, 49, from Blackley, used the handle “WHEREAREYOU” to bring drugs into the UK via the postal service and ports using Encrochat to send messages to associates and customers.
Operation Drum was launched after law enforcement officials in Europe managed to crack the Encrochat service. The system was being used by criminals involved in serious and organised crime to carry out their business.
At Manchester Crown Court, Cary, of Osterley Road, Blackley, was jailed for nine years and nine months.
Matthew Record, 39, of Pembrey Way, Halewood, Merseyside, was locked up for six years and nine months.
They both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and Cary also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import controlled drugs.
In a statement, the NWROCU said: “Record used the handle ‘Ripesun’ which he used to contact other criminals to buy kilo amounts of cocaine for cash.
A third man, caught in the same investigation, James Fox, 45, of North Road, Manchester, was sentenced to eight years imprisonment in March 2022 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and conspiracy to produce cannabis.
Detective Inspector Mike Robinson said: “Between 28th March 2020 and 4th June 2020, James Fox, Ian Cary and Matthew Record arranged the supply of multi kilo amounts of cocaine and heroin and we’re happy that with them behind bars, there’s fewer drug suppliers on the streets causing misery to our communities across the North West.
“Here at the NWROCU we’re committed to targeting the supply of drugs and will leave no stone unturned in pursuit of those people who think they are above the law.
We’re committed to targeting the supply of drugs and will leave no stone unturned Det Insp Mike Robinson
“As part of Operation Venetic, the NWROCU has so far arrested 73 people, of which 67 have been charged with serious drug trafficking or firearms offences. This year will see a number of these people continuing to appear before the courts, and we welcome each and every one for its role in disrupting and dismantle organised crime across the world.”