Man jailed for Encrochat drug dealing

A 32-year-old Liverpool man has been sentenced to 11 years and six months in prison after evidence on an encrypted device revealed that he was involved in the multi-kilogram supply and distribution of heroin and cocaine.

Daniel Shepherd, 32, of Long Lane, Liverpool was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court today (Friday 19 April) after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs via Encrochat.

Shepherd is the latest to be jailed as part of Operation Venetic - an international operation targeting criminals who used the mobile encryption service to try to evade detection.

Detectives discovered hints that pointed to his identity, such as references to his child's name, his own nickname, "Sheppo," and pictures of his home address. These led them to identify him as the user of the handle "Vaincrane."

Detective Inspector Kelly Wild from the NWROCU's Operations Team said: 

"Shepherd originally denied any involvement in the offences during the court procedure, but he later changed his plea in light of the strong evidence we had against him.

"I hope today's sentencing yet again proves that crime doesn't pay - and that we will leave no stone unturned when it comes to prosecuting those who profit from the sale of illegal drugs, exploiting vulnerable people in the process. 

"He supplied more than 20kg of Class A and B drugs, worth more than half a million pounds, over a 45 day period, bringing misery and harm to the community. Shepherd thought that by using an Encrophone he was untouchable - he was wrong. No one is immune. We will relentlessly pursue anyone embroiled in serious and organised crime in the North West."