Two jailed for encro drug dealing

NWROCU detectives have welcomed the sentencing of two men from Merseyside to more than 25 years in Jail at Liverpool Crown Court today, Monday 29 July.

Ryan Taylor, 37, of Wilbraham Street, Liverpool was jailed for 13 years and eight months after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin, Conspiracy to supply cannabis, and Production of cannabis.

Kevin Bell, 37, of Marlborough Avenue, Bootle was jailed for 12 years and nine months after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to supply cocaine, Conspiracy to supply cannabis, and Production of cannabis.  

The investigation was part of the NWROCU’s 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.

Taylor was arrested on 18 October 2023 at his home address. He used the Encrochat handle ‘Apeboot’ to supply kilo quantities of Class A and B drugs. 

Detectives were able to attribute him Taylor to ‘Apeboot’ by a number of clues being saved in the device, including pictures of his car, his children, and his broken hand, which matched NHS records that he had attended hospital for the injury.

Bell was also arrested on 18 October 2023 at his home address.

Detectives were able to attribute him to ‘Diego-one’ through references to his child and partners birthday, and pictures of himself.

Detective Inspector Dave Worthington from the NWROCU’s Operations Team said:

“Taylor and Bell were business partners who ran a hydroponics shop where they grew and sold cannabis. They also sold multi-kilos of Class A drugs to their own customers.

“We continue to pursue all criminals identified through Operation Venetic, putting them before the courts and ensuring they are prosecuted for their crimes.

“Thanks to the hard work of my staff, and the helpful clues they both left, they will both be beginning a significant prison sentence tonight.

“Anyone who has information about drug dealing in the community should call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.