Mark Murphy, a 39-year-old resident of Canal View Court, Litherland, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison by Liverpool Crown Court today, Wednesday, November 15, 2023. Murphy was found guilty of possessing cocaine with the intent to supply, conspiring to own a firearm, and conspiring to supply heroin, cocaine, and cannabis using the encrypted messaging platform Encrochat.
The arrest of Murphy took place on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at his residence in Litherland as part of Merseyside Police’s response to Operation Venetic. This international investigation targeted criminals who utilised the mobile encryption service known as Encrochat to evade detection.
During the course of the investigation, it was revealed that Murphy had been using the Encrochat handle “FIVE-FINGERS” between March 2020 and June 2020 to distribute Class A and B drugs. Additionally, two images of a firearm that Murphy was conspiring to possess were discovered in the Encrochat messages by the police.
Upon Murphy’s arrest, law enforcement officers seized approximately two kilograms of cocaine from his property.
In court, Murphy pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to supply 17.75 kilograms of cocaine, 9 kilograms of heroin, and 2 kilograms of cannabis. He also admitted to conspiracy to possess a prohibited weapon, specifically a Glock self-loading pistol, along with possession with the intent to supply cocaine.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul McVeigh of the Firearms Investigation Team expressed his satisfaction with the outcome and highlighted the significance of the seizure. He emphasised the potential harm and devastation that could have been caused by the firearm Murphy was conspiring to possess.
McVeigh stated, “Thankfully, Murphy has now been sentenced for his crimes and will spend a significant period of time in custody. This result demonstrates how Merseyside Police actively investigates serious organised crime, including the use of guns and the supply and distribution of drugs in our region. We are relentless in our pursuit of offenders.”
He urged members of the community to come forward with any information regarding drug use or plans to possess dangerous weapons, emphasising the importance of making the community safer for law-abiding citizens affected by drug and gun-related crimes.
To report information about the use or storage of weapons, individuals are encouraged to contact @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
