Big Drug Bust After Encrochat Takedown Snags £400k UK Supply Chain
Two top-tier crooks have been slammed with hefty jail terms after police cracked their encrypted drug empire. Remez Caffrey and John Chean used the secret chat service Encrochat to traffic massive amounts of class A and B drugs across the UK.
Encrypted Chat Uncovers Massive Drug Dealings Worth Hundreds of Thousands
Following the June 2020 UK-wide Operation Venetic takedown of Encrochat, Greater Manchester Police zeroed in on a user called ‘Frostjacket’—a profile shared by Caffrey and Chean. Between April and June 2020, the pair used the platform to orchestrate large drug deals, trading cocaine, amphetamine, and cannabis worth over £400,000 on the streets. They bartered cash and even cars for drugs; one notable swap involved a 20-plate Mercedes for 18kg of amphetamine in Moston.
Criminal Masterminds Caught Laundering Money & Stealing Cannabis
Messages revealed the duo’s attempts to launder millions through family members, showing cold calculation behind their dirty dealings. They were also linked to stealing cannabis from a rival gang’s farm near Oldham. Their operation extended overseas too. In May 2020, talks surfaced about smuggling drugs via Denmark and Belgium, with room to fill a £100,000 shipment space.
Justice Served at Manchester Crown Court
March 2021 strike-day raids netted arrests at homes in Manchester and Liverpool, with cash and enough evidence to send shockwaves through organised crime circles.
- Remez Caffrey, New Moston, got 11 years and three months for conspiracy to supply cannabis, cocaine and amphetamine, import conspiracy, and money laundering.
- John Chean, Liverpool, was jailed for six years on conspiracy to supply cocaine and amphetamine.
Detective Constable Darren Wayman said: “This sentencing is a significant victory after months of intense detective work. These drug lords supplied vast quantities that would have poisoned our communities. We’re committed to rooting out these criminals and protecting our neighbourhoods. If anyone has info on drug crimes, come forward.”
This bust sends a clear message: the UK’s police will chase down encrypted drug dealers and lock them away for good.
