Folkestone Drug Dealers Busted Thanks to Police Hack
Jack Daniels and Andrew Talbot, based near Folkestone, thought their drug deals were untouchable. They used Encrochat, an encrypted messaging platform, to arrange the distribution of cocaine and ketamine. But police had other plans.
Encrochat Hack Exposes Massive Drug Operation
Unknown to the pair, Encrochat had been secretly infiltrated by French and Dutch police. The intel was passed to the UK’s National Crime Agency, who teamed up with Kent and Essex Serious Crime units to crack the case.
The investigation revealed that between March and June 2020, a user named ‘simplyned’ was moving large quantities of cocaine and ketamine. Phone mast data tied the account to Daniels’ home area, confirming his role as the dealer.
Although Daniels coordinated the supply, he used a courier, called ‘Andy’ in messages, who was identified as Andrew Talbot. One drug handover linked to Talbot took place in Staplehurst.
Arrests, Cash Stashes & Court Sentences
On 26 November 2020, police swooped with simultaneous warrants at their homes. Officers found £4,500 cash hidden in a shoe at Daniels’ place and small amounts of cocaine at Talbot’s address.
- Daniels, 32, of Sandgate, pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply cocaine and ketamine. He was jailed for seven years and eight months.
- Talbot, 32, of Folkestone, also pleaded guilty to the same charges and received five years in prison.
Police Praise Groundbreaking Investigation
“Daniels and Talbot used a sophisticated encrypted system to openly discuss huge drug supplies, thinking they were untouchable,” said Detective Inspector Kris Eberlein. “Thanks to the infiltrated Encrochat data and thorough detective work, we proved their guilt beyond doubt. This conviction sends a clear message: organised drug dealers won’t get away. We’ll keep targeting these criminals and expect more busts this year.”
