Two Merseyside men charged with Encrochat drug offences

Two Merseyside men have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to supply drugs using the Encrochat encrypted messaging platform.

Anthony James Dean, 42 years, of Villiers Crescent in St Helens has been charged with conspiracy to import a controlled drug of Class B with intent to evade a prohibition / restriction, conspiracy to supply a class A controlled drug – cocaine and heroin, conspiracy to supply a class B controlled drug - cannabis, and conspiracy to conceal/disguise/convert/transfer/remove criminal property.

William James Swann, 38 years, of Harrier Close in Maghull has been charged with conspiracy to import a controlled drug of Class B with intent to evade a prohibition / restriction, conspiracy to supply a class A controlled drug – cocaine and heroin, conspiracy to supply a class B controlled drug - cannabis, conspiracy to conceal/disguise/convert/transfer/remove criminal property and conspiracy to sell / transfer a prohibited weapon / ammunition.

Both men will appear at Wirral Adult Remand Court today, Friday 31 January.

The charges forms part of the Merseyside Police response to Operation Venetic: a national investigation into the use of encrypted mobile devices, commonly referred to as Encrochat.

Anyone with information about drug supply or weapons being stored, carried or used in their community is asked to contact @MerPolCC, 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.