Bognor man in court in connection with massive criminal operation
Police seized drugs, cash and firearms
A Bognor man is among 14 people to have appeared in court connected with a drugs, firearms and money laundering investigation.
They were all arrested as part of Operation Venetic, the UK law enforcement response to the take down of encrypted global communications platform EncroChat.
The investigation, conducted by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SW ROCU) has led to items including six encrypted phones, a Glock 19 handgun, a carbine conversion kit, a silencer, an extended magazine, ammunition, eight kilos of cocaine, four kilos of crystal MDMA, 3,000 ecstasy tablets, a hydraulic press, and £434,000 cash being seized.
32-year-old Pavel Purkin, of The Paddock in South Bersted, has been charged with conspiracy to supply class A (cocaine) and money laundering.
He has been released on court bail and is next due to appear at Bristol Crown Court for a Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing on June 2nd.