Devon drug dealer who used sophisticated encrypted phone platform jailed
Anthony ‘Tony’ Hern, 41, was sentenced recently after pleading guilty to being concerned in the Supply of Class A drugs in Ilfracombe
Last updated 3rd Sep 2025
A North Devon drug dealer who used a sophisticated encrypted phone platform to carry out his business has been jailed for 56 months.
Anthony ‘Tony’ Hern, 41, of Channel View, Ilfracombe, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court recently after pleading guilty to being concerned in the Supply of Class A drugs in Ilfracombe.
The sentence related to crimes committed back in 2020 which came to light more recently, leading to police arresting Hern on 23 April 2025.
The court heard how Hern used an encrypted phone platform called Encrochat.
Encrochat was a disguised application on a type of handset used almost exclusively by organised criminals and crime groups.
The devices cost thousands of pounds and a further fee is paid to use the platform. Once signed up users could disguise their real identity.
An investigation into the platform linked Hern to one of the handsets.
Messages showed that he was involved in the dealing of two kilograms of cocaine, acting as a buyer, arranging a price and co-ordinating the delivery of two one kilogram blocks of cocaine.
Hern was found to have paid £40,000 and £38,000 for the respective blocks.
When arrested Hern's house was searched and £15,000 in cash found, along with Rolex watches and two expensive motor vehicles.
During a police interview Hern admitted his past involvement.