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, Manchester, 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.
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Cary, of Osterley Road, Manchester and Matthew Record, 39, of Pembrey Way, Halewood were sentenced to 9 years and 9 months and 6 years and 9 months in prison, respectively, at Manchester Crown Court today. 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 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, aged 45 of North Road, Manchester was sentenced to 8 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 today: “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.
"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."
