Man jailed for conspiring to supply drugs in Merseyside
He's been sentenced to over 13 years in prison.
Last updated 20th Jul 2024
A man from Halewood has been sentenced to over 13 years in prison after conspiring to supply 5kg of cocaine, 22kg of heroin, as well as cannabis and amphetamine.
43-year-old Philip Richards from Lakenheath Road pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply a Class A Controlled Drug & Conspiracy to supply a Class B Drug.
His arrest and sentencing was part of the Merseyside Police response to Operation Venetic: an international operation targeting criminals who used a mobile encryption service, commonly referred to as Encrochat, in an attempt to evade detection.
Between March and June 2020, Richards was the user of the Encrochat handle ‘stubbornfly’.
He used it to supply kilo quantities of Class A and B drugs.
Officers identified Richards thanks to a number of clues and links between him and “stubbornfly” including him sending images of his back garden, his children and also an image showing he was at a Halfords store on a particular date.
Transaction records subsequently showed that he received a refund from Halfords that same day.
Officers arrested Richards on Wednesday 17 April 2024 where he was detained in the rear garden of his home.
A search of the address recovered approximately £2000, phones and an iPad.
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Inspector James Boardman said:
“Richards’ attempts to supply huge amounts of Class A drugs revealed his clear intention to sell drugs on a commercial scale that could have brought suffering to families and residents in our communities.
"We know the devastation that drugs cause and Merseyside Police remains relentless in our pursuit of these criminals and ending their drugs trade.
“I hope this result shows that our officers are committed in our pursuit of these people who think they are above the law and believe they can evade justice.
“We will continue to target criminals like Richards by thoroughly examining any evidence and carrying out any necessary searches across Merseyside.”