Liverpool man charged with encrochat drugs

We have charged a 35-year-old man as part of the Merseyside Police response to Operation Venetic: a national investigation into the use of encrypted mobile devices, commonly referred to as Encrochat.

James Birch of Brookbridge Road, Liverpool has been charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (heroin) and to offer to supply Class A controlled drugs, namely cocaine.

Birch appeared at Wirral Magistrates Court yesterday (Thursday 16 December) and was remanded in custody. The case has been adjourned to Thursday 13 January 2022 for a Pre-Trial Preparation Hearing at Liverpool Crown Court.

If you have any information about suspected drug dealing in your area, please contact @MerPolCC, 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.