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12:23 24/02/2022
A Wirral man has been charged with conspiracy to supply heroin, cocaine and cannabis using the Encrochat encrypted messaging platform.
John Hassall, 52 years, of Laird Street, Birkenhead has been charged with conspiracy to import a controlled class B drug (cannabis) with intent to evade a prohibition/restriction, conspiracy to supply class A (cocaine and heroin) and class B drugs (cannabis).
Hassall was remanded into custody and is due to appear at Wirral Magistrates Court this morning (Thursday 24th February).
The charge forms part of the Merseyside Police response to Operation Venetic: a national investigation into the use of encrypted mobile devices, commonly referred to as Encrochat.