Two men from Greater Manchester have been sentenced today (Friday 27 June) at Manchester Crown Court for their involvement in a major cocaine trafficking and money laundering operation, uncovered through Operation Venetic - an international operation targeting criminals who used a mobile encryption service to try to evade detection.

David Waterhouse, 49, of Steps Meadow, Rochdale was jailed for 11 years after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and money laundering. He operated under the Encro handle "Golden Lad" and was identified as a key figure in the supply of multi-kilo quantities of Class A drugs. Between 4 April 2019 and 12 June 2020, he was evidenced to have been involved in the supply of 224kg of cocaine and laundering more than a million pounds.

Matthew Brierley, 29, of Huddersfield Road, Diggle, Oldham was jailed for 3 years after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and money laundering . He acted as a trusted courier for Waterhouse. Whilst he did't use Encrochat himself, his role was revealed through messages between Waterhouse and other Encro users. Between 5 May 2020 and 12 June 2020, he was involved in the supply of 7kg of cocaine and laundering £61,500.

Both men were arrested in the early hours of 21 February 2024 at Waterhouse’s home address, and during searches, officers recovered drug paraphernalia including scales and bags.

Detective Inspector Ian Moore from the NWROCU's Operations Team said:

“This sentencing is yet another example of the significant results being achieved through Operation Venetic.

“These individuals believed that using Encrochat would shield them from law enforcement. However, our continued success under Op Venetic proves just how wrong they were.

“We remain relentless in our efforts to disrupt drug supply networks across the North West. Working closely with local forces and national partners, we are committed to dismantling serious and organised crime groups and bringing offenders to justice.”