Man from Maghull who supplied firearms and Class A drugs jailed for 18 years

A man who played a leading role in a conspiracy to supply firearms and Class A drugs (Cocaine and Heroin) in multi-kilo quantities has been jailed for over 18 years today (Friday 8th September 2023) at Liverpool Crown Court.
 
Michael Martin, 39 years, of Dover Road, Maghull was sentenced today for 18 years 5 months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply 15kg of cocaine, 11.5kg of heroin and conspiracy to sell or transfer a prohibited weapon, namely a Grand Power Self-loading pistol.
 
Detectives who were part of Operation Venetic: an international operation targeting criminals who use a mobile encryption service, commonly referred to as Encrochat, in an attempt to evade detection found several messages on Martin's encrypted device to various criminal contacts. 
 
Martin was evidenced as using the Encrochat handle ‘Lucozade’ between March and May 2020 and had 40 other encrochat handle names stored in his phone. 
 
In this period Martin contacted 36 of those names and discussed prices of drugs he had paid for and the sale of large quantities of cocaine and heroin.
 
Martin also discussed the sale of firearms including an AR15 laser firearm with 50 bullets available for £11,500.
 
Martin was later arrested by police on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs, conspiracy to possess a firearm without a certificate, possession of criminal property and possessing a controlled drug.
 
Detective Inspector Peter McCullough said: “It is evident that Martin had gained numerous criminal contacts over the years and was involved in supplying firearms and trafficking commercial quantities of cocaine and heroin across our regions.
 
“I hope his sentencing shows how seriously we take such crimes and the lengths taken to remove anyone that supplies dangerous weapons and drugs that could cause serious harm in our communities.
 
“We’re absolutely determined to tackle serious organised crime, including gun crime, and we have dedicated teams that will act on information provided.”
 
Anyone with information on firearms and drugs supply is asked to contact @MerPolCC, 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.