Drug Dealers Jailed for 36 Years After Operation Venetic Sting
Two drug kingpins have been locked up for a combined **36 years** following a major police crackdown under Operation Venetic, which targets criminals using encrypted phones to dodge the law.
Kingpin Caught: 21 Years for Heroin and Cocaine Boss
Graham Minards, 37, from Roby, was slapped with a huge **21-year sentence** at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday. He admitted conspiracy to import heroin and cocaine, plus conspiracy to supply heroin, cocaine, ketamine, amphetamine, and cannabis.
Partner in Crime Nabbed: 15 Years for Massive Drug Supply
Michael Aboo, 39, from Netherton, also copped a hefty **15 years** after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin, cocaine, cannabis, and laundering criminal property.
A third suspect, Peter Bradshaw, 42, from Old Swan, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply multiple drugs, is set for sentencing soon.
Encrypted Chats Reveal Multi-Million Pound Drug Operation
Minards and Bradshaw, who used the secret Encrochat handles ‘Calmtea’ and ‘Stockygiant’, ran a huge drug empire funneling over **1,000 kilos of Class A drugs** across the UK – even during the COVID pandemic.
The pair discussed using fake companies to buy commercial vehicle fleets to smuggle their illicit cargo. Meanwhile, Aboo, known as ‘Wittyhound’, handled risky nationwide drug and cash deliveries.
Police uncovered loads of damning evidence from their encrypted chats, including photos of huge drug hauls and stacks of cash. One message from Minards to Bradshaw read: “Lad we hit a bar by Xmas”—a “bar” meaning £1 million.
Lavish Lifestyle Comes Crashing Down
Minards lived large on the profits, with £50,000 worth of designer clothes and luxury items seized after his arrest.
Detective Sergeant James Boardman said: “Minards, Bradshaw and Aboo never thought police would crack their encrypted messages revealing their vast drug network. They exploited the pandemic to fund their lavish lives while ruining vulnerable communities.”
“These long sentences show crime doesn’t pay. We are determined to stop anyone trying to profit from illegal drugs. Our fight continues alongside law enforcement worldwide to protect families and communities.”
