Big Drug Bust: James Duckworth Jailed for 16½ Years in Massive UK Cocaine and Heroin Plot
Merseyside Man Caught in Major UK Drug Sting
James Duckworth, 42, has been slapped with a hefty 16-and-a-half-year prison sentence for his role in a nationwide conspiracy to distribute cocaine and heroin. He’s the first in Merseyside to face the music following a high-stakes operation involving UK police forces, Regional Organised Crime Units, the National Crime Agency (NCA), and European law enforcement agencies.
‘Encrochat’ Crackdown Leads to Arrest
The bust came after authorities cracked the ‘Encrochat’ encrypted messaging system, a secret communication tool used by criminals to run serious organised crime. Duckworth, from Langdale Close, Kirkby, operated under the codename ‘atomicmantis’, according to detectives.
Officers found Duckworth’s phone loaded with images of drugs and stacks of cash, including a jaw-dropping £385,000 in notes. Hidden deep inside his device was a drug ledger tracking payments totaling nearly £5 million, alongside plans to smuggle drugs from Costa Rica.
Luxury Watches, Anti-Bugging Gear and Cash Counting Machine Seized
Duckworth was arrested at his home on 3 November 2020. A raid uncovered expensive watches, an anti-bugging device, and a cash counting machine – flags of his lavish, illegal lifestyle.
Justice Served: Police Crack Down on Drug Dealers
Duckworth pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine in the UK, as well as offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Today, he received his lengthy jail sentence.
“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,” said Detective Inspector Lee Wilkinson.
