The head of an organised crime group (OCG) has been jailed after his Encrochat messages were uncovered by police.
Detectives from Greater Manchester Police kept the OCG under surveillance as they used encrypted mobile phones to communicate and arrange their drugs drop-offs between 2019 and 2020. Over £60,000 in cash, 27.5kg of cocaine and 50kg of amphetamine, totalling £400,000, were seized as part of the large-scale investigation, along with machinery including a hydraulic press and paraphernalia used in the preparation of drugs.
Using the handle 'NeverSayNever', dad-of-four Michael Doyle, 36, discussed prices and locations for picking up drugs and money, prosecution barrister Andy Scott told Manchester Crown Court. GMP also identified Doyle as the ringleader of the OCG, the court heard.
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In one message, he ordered 20 kilos of cocaine. In another, he suggested that he wanted to take a step back as he began a new business venture and made reference to his ‘guys’ getting arrested. Further messages saw him discussing cryptocurrency and how to convert bitcoin into real money.
Mitigating, Tyrone Smith said: “He has been through periods of struggle in his life, bad decisions, bad habits and terrible lifestyle choices." He added that Doyle had been in custody for three years and has had little contact with his family.
Mr Smith said his client was planning on leaving the class A drug business and focussing more on the tarmac business. “Encrochat shows us what has always happened, but it leaves a greater trail,” he said.
Doyle, of Salford, has now been jailed for 14 years and nine months for conspiracy to supply cocaine, conspiracy to supply cannabis and conspiracy to supply amphetamine. It follows eight other men in the OCG being sentenced at Manchester Crown Court between 13 and 16 September 2021. A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing has been set for June 9.
Detective Sergeant David Moran, of GMPs Serious and Organised Crime Group, said: "This complex investigation involved a large team of detectives and specialist staff who monitored the group and gathered sufficient intelligence to execute raid on the addresses we knew criminality was taking place and as a result we seized large volumes of drugs and cash. All nine men were key figures across the North West drug supply chain and we are thrilled that we have been able to sentenced all nine men for their crimes and remove them from our communities.
"I would like to thank all our officers and staff who have worked extremely hard since the birth of this operation and we couldn’t be happier with the result not only because it has brought justice but it has also removed these men from our streets in Greater Manchester and the North West."
Anyone with concerns or information about serious and organised crime can contact police on 101. Alternatively, reports can be made via our Live Chat facility on the GMP website. Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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