A drug dealer who "thought he was invincible" was trying to source wholesale amounts of cocaine only days after the birth of his daughter.
Terence Page traded in huge quantities of class A and B substances on EncroChat, using the handles CuppaTea and WorldPossum. He is now facing a second lengthy prison stretch for drug trafficking offences.
Liverpool Crown Court heard today, Friday, that the 40-year-old used two different devices on the encrypted communications service and was involved in the supply of at least 14kg of heroin, 1.75kg of cocaine and 2kg of amphetamine. The broker and middle man was part of an "intricate network which coordinated, sourced and supplied substantial quantities of class A drugs".
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Messages revealed that two days after the birth of daughter in June 2020, Page, of Old Mill Lane in Formby, was "in contact with" an EncroChat user with the handle RustyKnife to "see what cocaine was available". He was identified as being the man behind the mask of CuppaTea and WorldPossum after providing personal details within his secret communications, including the names and ages of relatives, as well as referencing his home address.
The dad was arrested in June 2021, shortly before his child's first birthday. Page was previously handed eight years and nine months at Newcastle Crown Court in 2011 over another major drugs operation.
Then of Sandheys Avenue in Crosby, he used 28 different mobile phones during a plot to "flood Tyneside" with hundreds of thousands of pounds of cocaine. Released in April 2015, his licence period expired shortly before his involvement in the underworld resumed.
Page, who appeared via video link to HMP Altcourse, admitted conspiracy to supply heroin, cocaine and amphetamine during an earlier hearing. He was jailed for 16 years.
Sentencing, Judge David Aubrey KC said: "You have admitted trading in desperation and destitution. You were driven by greed with a complete disregard for the wellbeing of others and the impact of your dealings had on the fabric of society.
"Drugs cause misery and desperation. You cared not about any of those things.
"You were playing for high stakes and financial reward. Those who trade in misery and seek to profit must expect punishment.
"You thought you were invincible and protected by the phones in your hands, but that has been your downfall. There was to be no hiding place for your sophisticated drug dealing.
"You were acting as a broker and a middle man for financial profit. You had contacts, and you were using those contacts for your own ends."
The judge added of his previous conviction 11 years ago: "In my judgement, you had learned nothing - the shackles of your licence period were now off, and in a short period of time you returned to the networking for which you are to be sentenced. I take your family into account, but this is an extremely serious offence."
Page could now be ordered to repay his ill-gotten gains under the Proceeds of Crime Act, and will be brought back to court later this year. Merseyside Police's Detective Inspector Peter McCullough said following his sentencing: "Page demonstrated that he played a leading role in this latest conspiracy whereby prices and meetings were agreed between him and other handles regarding the supply of heroin, cocaine and amphetamine.
"I hope this result shows that Merseyside Police will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of these people who think they are above the law, and we will continue to target criminals like Page by thoroughly examining any evidence, messages and images we find."
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