Two Lancashire drug dealers jailed for more than 22 years
Both were identified as users of encrypted phones
TWO men have been jailed for more than 22 years as part of a Lancashire Constabulary investigation into the supply of Class A drugs.
Darren Bowling and Scott Robinson were arrested by detectives in March after they were identified by the National Crime Agency as users of encrypted phones used by criminals to try and avoid detection.
Operation Venetic is an international operation targeting criminals who used a mobile encryption service, commonly referred to as Encrochat, in an attempt to fly under the rader of the law enforcement agencies.
Bowling used the Encrochat handle TribalTown and messages showed he was involved in the importation of drugs into the UK on numerous occasions. The messages discuss large amounts of money and various methods of transport in order to import the drugs into the country from both from Europe and South America.
Bowling, 55, of Higher Park Hill, Barrowford pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply cocaine , Money laundering and Failure to comply with Serious Crime Prevention Order – He received 11.5 years imprisonment.
Robinson used the handle Regal Radio which also showed messages discussing money and drugs.
Robinson, 41 of Westhead Road, Croston admitted conspiring to supply cocaine, heroin, amphetamine and cannabis and was jailed for 11years and three months.
Both men appeared last week at Preston Crown Court.
Det Insp Martin Melvin, of East Police, said: “This investigation shows our continuing commitment to work with our partners to take the fight to criminals by disrupting and dismantling organised crime groups as part of our policing operation aimed at keeping you and your local area safe.
“Protecting people, especially the most vulnerable, is at the heart of everything we do; We know the vast majority of people living in Lancashire are law abiding citizens who do not deserve to have their lives blighted by the actions of a minority of offenders and we will continue to show those offenders that there is no place to hide.”