Man from Huyton jailed for 17 years for drugs supply

A man has been jailed for 17 years for conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine.

Thomas Robinson, 43, of St Mary’s Road, Huyton, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court today (Friday 26 May) after being found guilty following a trial.

Robinson was identified by detectives as using the Encrochat handle ‘Carbonzero’ and linked him to the large scale supply of Class A drugs between the period of March to June 2020.

Messages and images recovered by detectives from Operation Aquarium showed that Robinson was clearly an active member of a drugs supply network, along with his associates.

It was uncovered that Robinson was using his business, called Practical Car and Van Hire, as a front to sell drugs.

Detective Chief Inspector Stephen McGrath said: "Robinson is just the latest person to be brought to justice for their involvement in the widescale peddling of drugs on the streets of Merseyside.

"These people think they are above the law and can continue to ply their illicit trade and profit from their crimes without any repercussions.

"I am pleased that thanks to the diligence of our officers who carried out a detailed and thorough investigation that we managed to secure enough evidence to put him behind bars for 17 years.

"Our work will go on to target other people involved in this type of criminality.

"I would ask our communities to continue to support us in our efforts to get these people off our streets and behind bars where they belong and encourage anyone who has any information about drug dealing or who is storing or using weapons in their communities to contact us so that we can take positive action."

If you have any information about drugs supply please contact our social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.