Drugs Crooks Busted in EncroChat Sting
Niall Chinnock, 49, alongside Zoe Hutson, 35, and Kirt Hutson, 37, all from Wellingborough, have been locked up following a cocaine conspiracy bust. The trio pleaded guilty last November for running a high-volume cocaine supply ring in Northamptonshire.
Ringleader Used EncroChat to Smuggle 6kg of Cocaine
Chinnock led the operation, using the encrypted EncroChat platform to buy huge amounts of cocaine wholesale. Over just ten weeks between March and May 2020, he purchased 6kg of the Class A drug, masterminding deals with other local dealers.
EncroChat was a Europe-wide encrypted chat service favoured by organised criminals—putting them all on police radar.
Hutsons Played Key Role as Dealers’ Drug Safe
Needing a safe stash spot, Chinnock turned to the Hutsons at Elizabeth Close. Police investigations showed he’d been storing cocaine there since January 2020, with free access to their home.
On May 27, Chinnock was caught red-handed near Stanwick in a white van loaded with four bags of high-purity cocaine, ready to supply onward. Police also nabbed two phones, including an EncroChat device.
A raid on the Hutsons’ address uncovered two rucksacks containing safes, kilos of cocaine worth tens of thousands of pounds, £34,000 in cash, gloves, elastic bands, scales, and dealer bags.
Sentenced: Jail Time for Drug Supply Trio
At Northampton Crown Court on February 28, Chinnock got a hefty 10-year sentence. Zoe and Kirt Hutson each received four years behind bars.
Lead Investigator Hazel Score said: “Niall Chinnock used sophisticated means to run his drugs business. In 10 weeks, he spent over £240,000 bringing drugs into Northamptonshire. The Hutsons were crucial, storing both drugs and cash away from Chinnock’s address to help facilitate sales. I hope their time inside makes them reflect on their poor choices. Tackling drug supply is a police priority, and this operation disrupted a persistent high-volume network.”
