Taxi Driver Caught Moving Cocaine and Cannabis in Merseyside
A man has been locked up for nearly eight years after using his cab to ferry large quantities of drugs across Merseyside. Shaun Done, 25, from Huyton, pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply cocaine and cannabis, as well as handling criminal property. His arrest is part of a massive international crackdown on criminals using encrypted mobile services to dodge the law.
‘NuttyLeopard’ Exposed by EncroChat Bust
Done operated under the alias ‘NuttyLeopard’ on the now-defunct EncroChat messaging platform, which was popular among organised crime groups. Using his private hire taxi, he delivered cocaine and cannabis around Merseyside, raking in thousands. Police seized over £27,000 in cash when they raided his home following his arrest on 10 November 2020.
Operation Venetic Seizes Criminal Networks
The bust stems from Operation Venetic, a collaborative effort between European law enforcement, the UK’s National Crime Agency, and regional police units. The operation cracked the EncroChat encrypted network used globally by criminals for drug trafficking, weapons deals, and money laundering. More than 60 arrests have been made in Merseyside alone, with prosecutions ongoing.
Police Warn: No Escape for Organised Crime
Detective Sergeant Steve O’Neill said: “Shaun Done thought encrypted devices would keep him safe from justice. He was wrong. This sentencing shows just how seriously the police and courts treat organised criminals who supply drugs across Merseyside and beyond. We’ve arrested more than 60 people involved in serious drug and firearms offences, and we won’t stop until everyone is brought to account.”
He added: “Merseyside and the UK are safer thanks to this operation. We will keep targeting serious organised crime, turning over every stone to catch those who think they are above the law.”
