Man from West Derby jailed for drugs supply offences

A West Derby man has been jailed for 15 years for playing a leading role in the supply of large quantities of Class A drugs.

Philip Glennon, 40, of Deysbrook Lane, was sentenced today, Monday 11 March, after pleading guilty to conspiring to supply Class A drugs (cocaine and heroin) and a Class B drug (cannabis).

His arrest was part of Merseyside Police’s response to Operation Venetic: an international operation targeting criminals who used a mobile encryption service in an attempt to evade detection.

Glennon used the Encrochat handles ‘Royalcleaner’ and ‘Oldbelly’ between March and June 2020 and he was linked to the supply of 14kg of cocaine, 65kg of heroin and 5kg of cannabis (see picture below).

Other Encrochat handles were found to contain his contact details and he had been saved as Phil Glennon, Phil Glen, and Philly G.

Detectives were also able to identify Glennon after images were shared on his device showing his front garden and details were also shared about his vehicle and children.

Glennon also referenced his cousin, who was identified as James Wilson, 37, of Bowring Park Road, in Childwall. Wilson was sentenced to 14 years and eight months in prison on Friday 26 January 2024 for drugs supply offences after being identified as the user of the handle ‘Direfortress’.

Detective Sergeant James Boardman said: “Glennon thought he could hide behind an encrypted device, but sadly for him this wasn’t the case and he becomes the latest person in Merseyside to be jailed for using Encrochat for selling large quantities of drugs.

"We know the devastation that drugs cause and Merseyside Police remains relentless in our pursuit of these criminals and ending their drugs trade.

“I hope this result shows that our officers will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of these people who think they are above the law, and believe they can evade justice."

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