A man from Anfield has been slammed with a nine-year prison sentence after cops cracked his encrypted messages and images revealing a major cocaine and cannabis conspiracy.
Encrochat Led Police Straight to Lowe
Francis Lowe, 27, of Breckside Park, was today (Friday 17 April) sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court for plotting to supply 6kg of cocaine and over 22kg of cannabis. He also admitted to receiving stolen goods and possessing fake Bank of England notes. The police probe, part of Operation Venetic, took down Lowe after uncovering messages on the secret Encrochat platform. Lowe used the handle ‘Tiredswarmer’ to move kilo quantities of Class A and B drugs. Officers found chilling links between Lowe’s encrypted chats and real life – he gave his name as “Fran,” shared his postcode, and even sent photos from inside his own home. He also texted about his grandfather’s death and a police run-in.
Stolen Mercedes and Fake Cash Seized
Lowe slipped up further by sharing an image of a stolen black Mercedes AMG C63 parked outside an address. During a raid, cops found a stash of counterfeit notes, leading to more charges. Lowe pleaded guilty to all counts.
Police Praise Big Operation to Target Drug Crime
“Having access to Lowe’s Encrochat messages gave us undeniable proof he was key in supplying large quantities of cocaine and cannabis,” said Detective Inspector Jay Boardman. “The fake cash seizure uncovered further crimes. His arrest was part of a huge police blitz named Operation Vanguard, where 300 officers swamped Anfield with warrants, checkpoints and searches. “Drug dealers like Lowe face serious jail. Others using Encrochat can expect similar crackdowns.”
Got info on drug dealing? Contact Merseyside Police at @MerPolCC, call 101, or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
