Jason Pusey, a former footballer with a background in the Atletico Madrid youth academy, has been sentenced to prison after orchestrating a significant drug operation in south London. The operation, which utilized local gangs to distribute cocaine, ketamine, and cannabis, involved drugs with an estimated street value of £3 million.
Pusey, originally from Gibraltar, was found to be using EncroChat, an encrypted communication network, to manage his drug distribution network. Detectives began their investigation into the EncroChat handle “IrregularFog” in June 2020, leading them to Pusey.
Evidence uncovered between March 2020 and June 2020 showed that the 34-year-old was the sole user of the encrypted EncroChat mobile phone, engaging in the wholesale distribution of Class A and Class B drugs. Investigators found passwords that matched the names and dates of Pusey’s family members, the locations of the EncroChat phone corresponded with his own mobile phone, and messages contained specific details of his travel.
The EncroChat data revealed that Pusey was running a highly successful drug operation. Messages detailed the importation of Class A drugs into the UK and described the routes used by various importers and couriers.
Pusey, of Coperland Crescent, Market Weighton, York, was arrested at his home on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, and charged the following day. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drug (cocaine), conspiracy to supply Class A drug (ketamine), and conspiracy to supply Class B drug (cannabis) at Kingston-Upon-Hull Crown Court on Wednesday, July 26, 2023.
Detective Constable Duncan Askew, leading the investigation from the Met’s Specialist Crime team, commented: “Pusey arranged large-scale drug deals while also maintaining a well-respected football career. On the surface, he appeared as a doting family man, but he was making millions by sending commercial-scale amounts of controlled drugs to south London gangs. He did this all with no thought of the misery and devastation caused in London communities by drug supply and the violence it leads to.”
Operation Eternal, which began three years ago, has resulted in the Met identifying and jailing major players in the criminal fraternity, stemming the flow of drugs and guns onto the streets. Detective Constable Askew added, “The drugs trade relies upon exploitation and violence to operate, and we will continue to relentlessly pursue those involved and put them before the courts.”
Pusey’s case highlights the intersection of professional sports and organized crime, and the lengths to which law enforcement will go to dismantle drug operations that harm communities.
