Drug dealer jailed of 14 years for Encrochat conspiracy

A drug dealer has been jailed today, Wednesday 14^th December, for his role in supplying drugs using Encrochat.

Paul Whitney, 44 years, of Clocktower Drive, Walton, who was given 14 years and nine months after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing for conspiring to supply Class A and B drugs.

Operating under the name Bullet-Hawk, Encrochat data evidenced Whitney’s involvement in the supply of 8kg of cocaine and heroin, and 32kg of cannabis.

He was arrested in March 2021 at his home address for a drugs conspiracy as part of Merseyside Police’s response to Operation Venetic: an international operation targeting criminals who used a mobile encryption service called Encrochat, in an attempt to evade detection when dealing drugs. 

Detective Inspector Peter McCullough said: “This is a welcome result in this latest court sentencing for Whitney who we put before the courts for his drug dealing crimes.

“Whitney demonstrated that he had a significant role he thought he could fly under the radar and escape justice.

“Whitney agreed between him and other handles regarding the supply of cocaine, heroin and cannabis. He also provided his home address on his Encrochat device which evidenced that kilo amounts of heroin were delivered there.

“I hope this result shows that Merseyside Police will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of people who think they are above the law, and we will continue to target criminals like Whitney by thoroughly examining any evidence, messages and images we find.”

Anyone with information on drug dealing is asked to contact @MerPolCC, or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.