Drug dealers were caught bringing drugs into the UK from Columbia via the postal service.
Matthew Record, 39, of Pembrey Way in Halewood and Ian Cary, 49, of Osterley Road in Manchester found themselves in Manchester Crown Court on Monday following an investigation into EncroChat - the secret communications network they used.
The North West Regional Organised Crime Unit said in a statement that Cary used the handle 'WHEREAREYOU' which he used to bring drugs into the UK from Columbia via the postal service and UK ports. Record used the handle 'Ripesun' which he used to contact other criminals to buy kilo amounts of cocaine for cash - using EncroChat to send messages to associates and customers, Manchester Evening News reported.
READ MORE: Live updates from Bootle Strand after incident at Halifax bank
The police operation came about after law enforcement officials in Europe managed to crack the ‘EncroChat’ service being used by criminals involved in serious and organised crime to carry out their business. Arrests are continuing across the North West as part of this operation.
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. 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."
Cary and Record 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.
A third man, caught in the same investigation, James Fox, aged 45 of North Road, Manchester was also sentenced to 8 years imprisonment on March 11, 2022 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and conspiracy to produce cannabis.
