Two key members of a Merseyside-based organised crime group have been sentenced to a combined 29 years in prison for their roles in a large-scale drug trafficking operation. Joseph Toole, 55, and Lawrence Hill, 52, used the encrypted EncroChat communication network to manage the supply of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine, heroin, and cannabis across the United Kingdom.
Liverpool Crown Court heard that the pair operated under the direction of an unidentified user known as “JabbaTheHutt.” Toole was identified by police after discussing personal details, including his children's birthdays, on the supposedly secure platform. The operation involved what the sentencing judge described as "eye-watering amounts" of narcotics.
Key Takeaways
- Joseph Toole, 55, was sentenced to 16 years in prison for his leading role in the drug conspiracy.
- Lawrence Hill, 52, described as Toole's "right-hand man," was jailed for 13 years.
- The pair used EncroChat handles “SummerHillNew” (Toole) and “FrostyHand” (Hill) to communicate with a user named “JabbaTheHutt”.
- The operation involved conspiracies to supply 249kg of cocaine, 125kg of heroin, and 441kg of cannabis.
- Toole was identified after investigators linked messages about family birthdays and a funeral to his personal life.
The EncroChat Conspiracy
Joseph Toole and Lawrence Hill were central figures in a sophisticated drug supply network that distributed Class A and Class B drugs from Merseyside to other parts of the UK, including Bristol and Yorkshire. Their criminal activities were exposed following an international law enforcement operation that successfully infiltrated the EncroChat network in 2020.
The platform, which provided encrypted mobile phones, was favoured by criminal organisations for its perceived security. However, the breach gave police unprecedented access to messages detailing drug deals, money laundering, and other serious crimes.
Appearing at Liverpool Crown Court on September 22, the court heard how Toole and Hill played significant managerial roles within the organisation. Prosecutor Stella Hayden explained that the organised crime group (OCG) was "well-established," with evidence showing their involvement in cocaine distribution from at least September 2018 to July 2020.
Managerial Roles in a Major Operation
Joseph Toole, using the EncroChat handle “SummerHillNew,” was described as a leading player in the OCG. His responsibilities were extensive and crucial to the network's daily functions. According to evidence presented in court, Toole was responsible for "keeping the books," managing the group's finances, and collecting money from drug sales.
He also arranged the logistics for shipping large quantities of Class A drugs and was tasked with organising encrypted devices for other members of the criminal enterprise. The judge noted that Toole was a "hands-on" figure who worked closely with the original sources of the narcotics. Messages between him and the user “JabbaTheHutt” revealed him referring to the vast quantities of drugs and cash as "ours," indicating a high level of ownership and control.
Scale of the Operation
The court case revealed the staggering quantities of drugs involved in the conspiracy:
- Cocaine: Toole was linked to 249kg, while Hill was concerned in the supply of 262kg.
- Heroin: Toole's involvement covered 125kg, and Hill's covered 111kg.
- Cannabis: Toole was also found to have helped supply 441kg of cannabis.
Identification and Arrest
The downfall of Joseph Toole came from a series of personal messages sent over the EncroChat network. Despite the platform's encryption, the content of his conversations provided police with the clues needed to confirm his identity. Investigators were able to link “SummerHillNew” to Toole after he discussed his own birthday and the birthdays of his children.
Further incriminating evidence came when he provided details about the death of a relative and the arrangements for the subsequent funeral. These personal details, shared on a platform he believed was secure, created a clear and undeniable link for law enforcement.
Lawrence Hill, who used the handle “FrostyHand,” was identified as Toole's "right-hand man." Recorder Michelle Brown described him as a "trusted member of this crime enterprise." His role was also operational, involving the collection of money and the coordination of deliveries. Both men were arrested at their home addresses on March 17 of this year.
Evidence Seized During Raids
Following the arrests, Merseyside Police conducted raids on the homes of both men. At Hill's residence, officers discovered and seized £10,800 in cash, believed to be proceeds from the drug operation. A search of Toole's home in Aysgarth Avenue, West Derby, uncovered designer clothes and bags with an estimated value of £7,000, further evidence of a lifestyle funded by criminal activity.
What is Operation Venetic?
Operation Venetic is the UK's law enforcement response to the takedown of the EncroChat encrypted communication service. Led by the National Crime Agency (NCA), it has resulted in thousands of arrests and the seizure of tons of drugs and hundreds of millions of pounds in criminal cash across the country. This case is one of many successful prosecutions stemming from the intelligence gathered.
Court Sentencing and Mitigation
During the sentencing hearing, both men's defense counsel presented arguments for mitigation. Frank Dillon, representing Toole, stated that his client had entered a guilty plea at the earliest opportunity. He also highlighted that Toole suffers from a list of medical conditions, including glaucoma and arthritis.
Mr. Dillon added that Toole had undertaken several jobs while on remand, indicating a desire to "live a law-abiding life" upon his release. A letter from Toole read to the court expressed remorse. "I am aware of the damage I've done," he wrote. "I don't want my family to suffer because of my bad choices."
Similarly, Jason Smith, defending Hill, noted that his client had also entered early guilty pleas and had taken up employment while in prison. Despite these arguments, the severity of the offenses warranted substantial custodial sentences.
"These were eye-watering amounts even for an EncroChat case."
Recorder Brown sentenced Joseph Toole to 16 years in prison. Lawrence Hill was sentenced to 13 years. Both men remained silent as their sentences were delivered.
Police Vow to Continue Fight Against Organised Crime
Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Craig Doyle of Merseyside Police commented on the case and the ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks. He reaffirmed the force's commitment to pursuing those involved in the drug trade.
"Our work continues under Operation Venetic to detect and arrest those involved in the sale and distribution of Class A and B drugs," said DS Doyle. "We are committed to pro-actively investigating serious organised crime and we remain relentless in pursuing offenders."
He emphasised the importance of protecting vulnerable communities from the impact of illicit drugs and encouraged the public to come forward with information. Merseyside Police urge anyone with information about drug dealing in their area to contact them via direct message to @MerPolCC on social media, by calling 101, or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.