Formby drug dealer latest to be jailed for Encrochat conspiracy

A drug dealer from Formby has been jailed for 16 years today, Friday 11th November.

Terence Page, 40, of Old Mill Lane, Formby, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court for his role in supplying drugs.

He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing for conspiring to supply Class A drugs heroin and cocaine, and class B drug amphetamine.

Operating under the Encrochat handles cuppatea and worldpossum, data evidenced Page’s involvement in the supply of 14kg of heroin and 1.75kg of cocaine, as well as 2kg of amphetamine. He was identified as the user of those handles after providing personal details within the messages including names and ages of relatives, as well as referencing his home address.

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

Detective Inspector Peter McCullough said: “Page demonstrated that he played a leading role in this latest conspiracy whereby prices and meetings were agreed between him and other handles regarding the supply of heroin, cocaine and amphetamine.”

 “I hope this result shows that Merseyside Police will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of these people who think they are above the law, and we will continue to target criminals like Page 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.