Three Drug Dealers Jailed After Crackdown on Encrypted Phone Network
Three men from Warrington and St Helens have been locked up after being caught in a major international bust targeting criminals using encrypted phones to dodge the law. Mark Dumbell, 30, of Warrington Road, Prescot, was handed 16 years at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday 26 May.
Massive Drugs Hauls and Secret Chats Exposed
Dumbell pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, cannabis, and ketamine. Using the encryption handle ‘Bullmouth’, he moved huge amounts of Class A drugs via couriers and specially modified vehicles.
Philip Dearden, 31, from Kent Road, St Helens, got 15 years after admitting conspiracy to supply cocaine, heroin, and cannabis. Dearden, who owns the Bowling Green Pub, used the alias ‘LoyalAnimal’. He was nailed after posting photos on the encrypted EncroChat platform of his pub following an arson attack — photos that matched crime scene images. Despite claiming ignorance about the fire, chats showed otherwise.
Shaun Harrison, 33, of South Street, Thatto Heath, was sentenced to 10 years and 8 months for conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. Harrison used the handles ‘Scantbee’ and ‘Sandferret’, and gave himself away by sharing personal info on EncroChat.
Operation Venetic Hits Hard Against Organised Crime
Around 60,000 EncroChat users worldwide have now been identified, with 10,000 in the UK alone. These users coordinated drug trafficking, weapons deals, money laundering, and other crimes. Merseyside Police continue arrests as part of the sweeping crackdown.
Detective Inspector Lee Wilkinson said: “Today has seen three more drugs criminals put behind bars in Operation Venetic. After European agencies cracked the encrypted EncroChat service, we’ve hit serious organised crime hard.”
“These men supplied huge drugs quantities across Warrington and St Helens, flaunting their spoils with pictures of cocaine kilos, heroin, cannabis, and £270,000 in cash. Dearden may have bragged about his ill-gotten gains, but now faces a long stretch inside.”
“Merseyside Police have arrested over 60 people so far, many charged with serious drug trafficking and firearms offences. We’ll keep pursuing those above the law and crushing organised crime.”
