Operation Venetic: Walton man jailed for 16 years for large-scale drug supply

We are welcoming the sentencing of Walton man William Edwards to 16 years in prison following an investigation into large-scale drug supply in Merseyside. 
 
William Edwards, 29, of Frankby Road, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court today, Monday 23 September. 
 
The investigation forms a further part of Merseyside Police’s ongoing response to Operation Venetic: an international operation targeting criminals who used a mobile encryption service, commonly referred to as Encrochat, in an attempt to evade detection.

 
Edwards pleaded guilty after being identified as Encrochat user ‘spicy-meatballs’, through facial images sent by Edwards of himself, his partner, and references to the birthday and address of family members. Other Encrochat users also referred to him as ‘Shaggy’, believed to be in reference to his likeness to the cartoon character from Scooby Doo.
 
During the investigation, detectives were able to evidence that Edwards was conspiring to supply cocaine and cannabis between March and June 2020. 

 
When he was arrested in June this year, a search of Edwards’ home address resulted in the recovery of more than half a kilo of cocaine; half a kilo of heroin and around £17,000 in cash, further offences to which Edwards pleaded guilty.
 
After the sentencing, Detective Inspector James Boardman said: “Like many drug suppliers before him, Edwards helpfully provided a great deal of evidence on which we were able to build the case. 
 
“Our work continues to put before the courts all of those criminals identified under Operation Venetic. Thanks to our extensive investigation, Edwards will tonight be beginning a significant prison sentence, and more will follow.
 
“Drug suppliers like Edwards have no thought to the significant harm their criminality causes within our communities, through the vulnerable people affected, to the serious violent crime which is often associated with organised crime groups. If anyone has information about suspected storage and supply of drugs where they are, please contact us and we will keep taking positive action for those who live, work and visit those areas affected.”
Anyone who has information about drug dealing in the community can contact us by sending a DM to @MerPolCC, calling 101 or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.