Merseyside Man James Duckworth Jailed for Over 16 Years in Major Drug Bust
James Duckworth, 42, has been slammed with a hefty 16-and-a-half-year jail sentence for his role in a massive conspiracy to distribute cocaine and heroin across the UK.
First Conviction After Huge Europe-Wide Drug Operation
Duckworth is the first Merseyside crook to face justice following a sweeping operation involving European law enforcement agencies alongside the National Crime Agency (NCA) and UK police forces, including Regional Organised Crime Units.
The crackdown came after officials cracked the encrypted “EncroChat” service, used by organised crime gangs to run their illegal deals undetected.
‘Atomicmantis’ Caught Red-Handed With £385,000 in Cash
Based in Kirkby’s Langdale Close, Duckworth used the EncroChat handle ‘atomicmantis’. Cops found a stash of drugs and a whopping £385,000 in banknotes on his phone. Worse still, a running drug ledger on his device showed payments totalling nearly £5 million and plans to import more drugs from Costa Rica.
His arrest came in November 2020, when officers raided his home, seizing luxury watches, an anti-bugging device, and a cash counting machine.
Detective Inspector Lee Wilkinson Speaks Out
“We welcome today’s sentencing which shows how seriously police and the courts take those who seek to profit from the misery of others by dealing drugs.”
Duckworth pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine, as well as offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Now he faces over 16 years behind bars, a stark warning to other dealers exploiting the streets.
