Flash EncroChat dealer suddenly went quiet on cops after they made a big discovery
27.09.2023 - 18:27
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A flash EncroChat dealer suddenly went quiet on cops after they cracked open his drugs lock-up - and discovered his love for designer gear as they raided his house. Callum Buckley, who splashed cash on a Louis Vuitton bag and a Rolex watch, tried to 'pass the blame' when quizzed by detectives about the sinister £81k cache, before staying silent.
The 33-year-old, previously hit with an 18-month suspended sentence for possession of drugs at the Creamfields festival, used the encrypted messaging service to flog of heroin, cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis.
Following a police investigation, Buckley was found with designer goods valued at more than £50,000, including the designer bag and watch.
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He pleaded guilty to seven charges at an earlier hearing - conspiracy to supply cocaine; conspiracy to supply diamorphine; conspiracy to supply cannabis; possession with intent to supply cocaine; possession with intent to supply amphetamine; possession with intent to supply cannabis and possessing criminal property.
On Wednesday (September 27), Manchester Crown Court heard he was found using the EncroChat handle 'Peptalk' in April 2020. He was busted during Operation Venetic, which saw cops hack encrypted phones.
Prosecuting, Harriet Lavin told the court messages on the phone showed Buckley was involved in the 'wholesale' supply of Class A and B substances. A storage unit rented by Buckley was cracked open as cops seized a 'large amount' of drugs.
Some 7.9kg of amphetamine, with a street value of £79,200 was found, as well as 72kg of cannabis to with a value of £720 and 18.3g