Drug Kingpin Busted: Michael Devine Jailed for Over 17 Years in Major UK Import Bust
Michael Devine, from Pete Best Drive, West Derby, was slammed with a hefty 17 years and 3 months behind bars at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, 23 August. He admitted guilt over his role in importing and supplying Class A and B drugs, including cocaine, heroin, ketamine, and amphetamine.
Digital Drug Network Exposed
Using the EncroChat codename ‘Lawfularbor’, Devine ran a high-stakes drug operation straight from his home. Court evidence revealed he discussed using secret airfields and light aircraft — even fake mayday landings — to smuggle drugs into the UK. His plans also included sneaky boat hideouts to evade authorities.
Eight Kilos of Cocaine Disguised as Car Parts
Devine’s slick smuggling didn’t stop there. In a bold move, he imported eight kilos of cocaine disguised as car parts in a UPS delivery last year. Officers from Merseyside Police arrested him in July 2021, leading to his charge and conviction.
Operation Venetic Smashes Drug Rings Nationwide
- Over 140 arrests across Merseyside
- 112 charged and 37 jailed
- Total prison time handed down: 420+ years
- £1.8 million cash seized
- 110kg of cocaine and heroin recovered
- Four firearms plus ammunition confiscated
Operation Venetic is a massive crackdown targeting criminals exploiting EncroChat — a secure messaging system once thought untouchable. Detective Inspector Lee Wilkinson said:
“Today we have seen another sentencing as part of national Operation Venetic, which came about after law enforcement officials in Europe managed to crack the ‘encrochat’ service being used by criminals involved in serious and organised crime to carry out their business.”
“Devine was supplying large amounts of illegal drugs and generating vast profits in doing so. He will now perhaps take time to consider the consequences of his actions.”
The investigation carries on, chasing down the criminals’ ill-gotten gains under the Proceeds of Crime Act in hopes of further wrecking their operations.
