A drug dealing 'family man' with an EncroChat alter ego hid a gun under his patio. John Duffy, 41, was part of a gang which helped to import huge amounts of cocaine and heroin into the UK.
He and his fellow gang members used encrypted mobile phones to run the operation and arrange deliveries around north east Manchester. Manchester Crown Court heard Duffy was a 'highly-trusted member' of the group, responsible for delivering drugs to customers as well as obtaining and storing guns and ammunition.
Michael Brady KC, prosecuting, said Duffy used his Harpurhey home to store the drugs and weapons, which were used to 'protect and enforce' the gang's operation. Police uncovered the plot after the EncroChat network, an encrypted messaging platform used by criminals, was cracked by the National Crime Agency in 2020.
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Duffy went by the username ‘Pondraisin’ and messages showed he had made multiple deliveries of cocaine, heroin and cannabis to customers under instruction from his friend and boss within the operation, Nathan Loftus. The court heard that between April and June 2020, Duffy had delivered 10kg of cocaine, one kilogram of heroin and a 'substantial amount' of cannabis.
Other messages recovered revealed his role in acquiring and maintaining guns on behalf of the gang. In one message, Duffy agreed to let one of Loftus's associates borrow a gun for 'an hour' the following day. In a separate series of exchanges, he informed Loftus he had hidden a gun 'under one of the flags in the back yard'.
"The defendant was referring to burying the firearm under his patio," Mr Brady said. Police searched Duffy's home in December 2021 and he was later arrested on suspicion of several drug and firearm offences.
Fraser Livesey, defending, told the court that Duffy was being directed by Loftus and the fact his home was used to store the drugs and guns meant he was regarded as 'expendable'. "He has been directed by Loftus as to what is needed and what to put away where," he added. "It's clear who is in charge."
Duffy, of Oldershaw Drive, Harpurhey, pleaded guilty conspiracy to supply cocaine, heroin and cannabis; and possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life.
Sentencing Duffy to 17 years, Judge Alan Conrad KC said the defendant had been a 'trusted lieutenant' to Loftus and had been 'ready to respond to orders or requests' for firearms.
"There was a real risk of serious injury or disorder," he added. "It's clear you had ready access to guns and ammunition."
Nathan Loftus, of Wilton Drive, Bury, was jailed for 22 years in October 2021 for his role in the huge drugs plot. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import heroin and cocaine.
Sean Doyle, who worked as a driver for the operation, was locked up for seven years. Doyle, of Wavertree Road, Blackley, admitted conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine.
