Drug Dealer ‘Sickmallet’ Caught and Caged for Nearly 12 Years
Adam Lonergan, known online as ‘Sickmallet’, has been slammed with an 11-year, eight-month prison sentence at Liverpool Crown Court today. The Prescot man was convicted of conspiring to supply a cocktail of cocaine, heroin, and cannabis across Merseyside.
Encrypted Chat App Busted
Lonergan used the now-cracked EncroChat system to peddle large quantities of Class A and B drugs. Police swooped on his Rydal Avenue home on March 16, uncovering a stash of cash alongside the evidence.
This is just one part of a major takedown. Seven Merseyside men have been sentenced so far in an operation involving the National Crime Agency (NCA), Regional Organised Crime Units, and law enforcement across Europe.
Operation Venetic: A Major Blow to Crime
The crackdown followed European agents cracking EncroChat, a secret messaging service used by criminals worldwide. Around 60,000 users have been identified globally, including 10,000 in the UK, all linked to drug trafficking, weapons supply, and money laundering.
Detective Inspector Chris Lowe said: “Adam Lonergan was supplying large amounts of illegal drugs and generating vast profits in doing so. He will now perhaps take time to reflect on the risks he took and the harm he caused, while serving his jail time.”
“Like many others, he thought encrypted devices would shield him from justice. He was wrong, and won’t be the last to find out.”
“Merseyside Police have arrested 102 suspects under Operation Venetic, with 71 charged for serious drug trafficking or firearms offences. These arrests are making Merseyside and the UK safer.”
Help the Fight Against Drug Crime
If you spot suspicious drug activity near you, don’t stay silent. Contact Merseyside Police @MerPolCC, dial 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always call 999.
