Op Venetic: Encrochat drug dealers jailed

Two Encrochat drug dealers have been jailed today (Thursday 24 February), with cash and cocaine worth £120,000 seized.

Peter James Ginley, 33 years, of Heath Road in Garston and Robert James McKenna, 56 years, of Maes Glas, Dyserth in Rhyl appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today (Thursday 24 February).

Ginley was found guilty by a jury and convicted after trial. He was sentenced to seven years and six months for conspiracy to supply cocaine, heroin, cannabis and ketamine.

While McKenna pleaded guilty and received four years and six months for conspiracy to supply cocaine, cannabis and ketamine.

The pair worked together as part of a wider criminal network to flood the streets with Class A and B drugs around the country. They had tried to escape detection by using encrypted mobile devices, commonly referred to as Encrochat.

Both men were arrested in July 2020.

Ginley was identified as using the Encrochat handle ‘crabcookie’ through personal details he shared in messages on the mobile encryption service.

He was arrested at his home in Garston and police found more than £13,200 in cash. Detectives also found an Encro phone package in his possession.

McKenna tried to evade detection using the Encrochat handle ‘Mr-Wales’.

He was arrested driving a van on the M6 southbound and found in possession of 3kg of cocaine concealed in a hydraulic box in the rear of his vehicle. The drugs haul seized is estimated to be worth in excess of £108,000.

Detective Sergeant Dan Pilling said: “This latest sentencing for Ginley and McKenna has disrupted a chain of supply, and we have removed a huge quantity of drugs destined for our streets and further afield. 

“I hope it send a strong message to perpetrators that we are taking action and bring them to justice.

“In the case Ginley, he thought he could escape conviction by pleading not guilty. However the evidence was so strong that a jury found him guilty and he’s now serving time behind bars.

“I think this sends a clear message to criminals that crime doesn’t pay – we’ll continue to be relentless in our pursuit of offenders.  

“I would ask anyone who has any information about who is supplying or selling drugs in their area to contact us so we can take action.”  

Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111.