Drug Dealer Jailed for Nearly 13 Years in Major Crackdown
Anthony Ian Duncan, 32, from Vauxhall, has been slammed with a hefty 12 years and eight months behind bars at Liverpool Crown Court.
Big Bust Linked to International Encryption Takedown
Duncan admitted masterminding the supply of a massive 25kg of cocaine and nearly 88kg of cannabis. His arrest this January was part of Merseyside Police’s crackdown under Operation Venetic — an international effort to nab criminals using the encrypted mobile service EncroChat to dodge the law.
Officials seized around £30,000 from Duncan’s home during the swoop.
Encrypted Chats Crack Open Case
The court heard Duncan used the EncroChat handle ‘mossyjade’ from March to May 2020. Contacts had him saved under nicknames like Dunc, Little Ant, and Dunc Scotty. He even slipped clues about his identity in messages, including images of his child and references to relatives.
Duncan was reportedly in tight contact with ‘townpepper’ — linked to his friend Shaun Doyle, who’s already been caught and sentenced.
Police Vow to Keep Crushing Drug Dealers
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Atkinson said: “Our work continues under Operation Venetic to detect and arrest those involved in the sale and distribution of Class A and B drugs. We remain relentless in pursuing offenders.”
“I’m pleased the evidence was strong enough to put Duncan behind bars for years. Our fight to protect communities from drug crime carries on.”
“If anyone has information about drug dealing, please get in touch — anonymously if you prefer.”
Tip-offs can be sent to @MerPolCC on Twitter, or by calling 101. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
