Wirral's independent local news website
A man from Wirral has been jailed today (Friday 11 March) for nine years, three months as part of an international operation targeting criminals who used a mobile encryption service, commonly referred to as Encrochat.
Gary Reid, 54 years, of Woodchurch was jailed for conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs (heroin, cocaine and cannabis) following a guilty plea.
Reid was evidenced using the Encrochat handle Lockstar between March and June 2020 to supply large quantities of Class A and B drugs across Wirral.
He was arrested on 26 February 2021.
Reid’s sentencing is part of an operation involving European law enforcement agencies working with the NCA, and supported across the UK by police forces and Regional Organised Crime Units. The operation came about after law enforcement officials in Europe managed to crack the ‘Encrochat’ service being used by criminals involved in serious and organised crime to carry out their business.
Detective Inspector Peter McCullough said, “Reid is the latest in a long line of criminals put behind bars after their involvement in drug dealing was revealed data shared on Encrochat,
“These criminals believed they were evading police by using the network, but they were sorely mistaken and many are now counting the cost of their criminality in jail cells.
“Reid was supplying significant quantities of illegal drugs, and I hope he will use the time he has in prison to reflect on the risks he took and the harm he has caused.
“Our work to identify and track down the criminals who used Encrochat to peddle drugs and weapons continues, and those not yet arrested should be under no illusion – you should expect a knock at your door.
“Merseyside Police, along with law enforcement agencies across the world, will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of those people who think they are above the law, and we will continue to target anyone involved in serious organised crime to keep this positive momentum going.”
Anyone with information on drug dealing is asked to contact @MerPolCC, 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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