Essex Drug Dealers Caught in EncroChat Sting Jailed for Over 25 Years
Two Essex drug dealers who ran their operation through the encrypted platform EncroChat have landed hefty prison sentences totaling more than 25 years.
Crackdown on Cocaine and Cannabis Ring
Robert Smith led a ruthless criminal gang dealing cocaine and cannabis across Chadwell St Mary and Grays. His partner in crime, Ismet Salih, helped launder over £1.25 million in cash profits from their illegal trade.
Over 6,000 encrypted messages between Smith and Salih revealed detailed records of cocaine sales and payments to suppliers. Their ambitions to emulate infamous gangsters were smashed by a joint operation from the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Met Police’s Organised Crime Partnership.
Massive Drugs and Cash Haul at Arrest
The pair were arrested in September 2021. Police found three kilos of cannabis worth nearly £16,000 stashed in Salih’s garden shed and evidence of a previous cannabis grow in his loft. Smith was caught red-handed with over £7,600 in cash hidden in his shorts.
Operation Venetic Snaps Up Entire Network
Smith and Salih admitted multiple drugs and money laundering charges at Basildon Crown Court. The investigation also netted Adil Bakali and another associate, who acted as runners for their drug supplier. These criminals have now been jailed for a combined 39 years.
Operation Venetic was the UK’s response to the 2020 EncroChat takedown. It uncovered huge cocaine shipments including a 21-kilo haul worth nearly £1.7 million found in a van driven by Fraser, and further drugs seized at another dealer’s home – including a cannabis farm.
Strong Message from Authorities
Andrew Tickner from the Organised Crime Partnership warned: “Robert Smith and Ismet Salih were behind a criminal network which saw vast amounts of cocaine sold in Essex and beyond.”
“Their dream of becoming gangsters like the Kray twins was swiftly shattered by our investigation. Instead, their reality is lengthy prison sentences.”
“Using the strong partnership between the NCA and Met Police, we will continue to pursue organised criminals fuelling the class A drug trade.”
