A major figure in a large-scale drug trafficking operation, known only by the EncroChat handle "Jabba-de-Hutt," remains at large despite the recent sentencing of two key associates. Joseph Toole and Lawrence Hill were jailed for a combined 29 years for their roles in distributing hundreds of kilograms of Class A drugs across the UK, all while taking directions from the unidentified crime boss.
This latest court case at Liverpool Crown Court marks another instance where the elusive "Jabba" has been named as the head of a sophisticated criminal enterprise. While his lieutenants are imprisoned, the mastermind behind the operation continues to evade law enforcement.
Key Takeaways
- An unidentified Merseyside crime boss using the alias "Jabba-de-Hutt" remains at large.
- Associates Joseph Toole and Lawrence Hill were jailed for 16 and 13 years, respectively, for their roles in a major drug conspiracy.
- The network was responsible for supplying hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and heroin to cities including Bristol and Yorkshire.
- This is the second major trial where "Jabba-de-Hutt" has been identified as the ringleader of a drug operation since the EncroChat network was compromised in 2020.
- Another key ally, Anthony Bowden, was previously jailed for 21 years in 2022 for his connection to the same crime boss.
Two Senior Members of Drug Network Jailed
Liverpool Crown Court heard details of a highly organised criminal group that supplied vast quantities of drugs from Merseyside to other regions in the UK. Two men, Joseph Toole and Lawrence Hill, were identified as holding senior positions within the network, operating under the command of the figure known as "Jabba-de-Hutt."
The court proceedings revealed that the operation was responsible for moving "eye-watering" amounts of narcotics. Evidence presented showed the group's activities were tracked through the encrypted EncroChat communication platform before it was infiltrated by law enforcement agencies in 2020.
The Role of Joseph Toole
Joseph Toole, 55, of Aysgarth Avenue in West Derby, was described as having a managerial role. Using the EncroChat handle "SummerHillNew," he was responsible for the operation's finances and logistics. According to messages recovered from the encrypted service, Toole was directly involved in conspiracies to supply 249 kilograms of cocaine, 125 kilograms of heroin, and 441 kilograms of cannabis.
Recorder Michelle Brown, the presiding judge, noted that Toole was a "hands-on" figure who communicated directly with drug sources, arranged shipments, and managed payments to other members of the group. His messages with "Jabba-de-Hutt" often referred to the drugs and money as "ours," indicating his significant position. Toole was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
Lawrence Hill's Involvement
Lawrence Hill, 52, of Longmeadow Road in Knowsley Village, acted as Toole's "right-hand man." He was found to be involved in the conspiracy to supply 262 kilograms of cocaine and 111 kilograms of heroin. His responsibilities included collecting cash proceeds and coordinating deliveries.
Described by the judge as a "trusted member of this crime enterprise," Hill's home was raided by police following his arrest. During the search, officers discovered and seized £10,800 in cash. Hill was sentenced to 13 years in prison for his part in the operation.
Operation Venetic: Cracking EncroChat
The convictions of Toole and Hill were made possible by Operation Venetic, the UK's law enforcement response to the takedown of the EncroChat network. French and Dutch authorities infiltrated the encrypted platform in 2020, gaining access to millions of messages between organised criminals. This intelligence has led to thousands of arrests across Europe, including many in the UK, disrupting numerous high-level criminal operations.
A Pattern of Evasion by the Ringleader
The recent trial is not the first time the "Jabba-de-Hutt" alias has been linked to major drug trafficking in court. The name previously surfaced in an August 2022 trial that led to a lengthy prison sentence for another key operative, Anthony Bowden.
Merseyside Police have confirmed that no arrests have been made in connection with the "Jabba-de-Hutt" username, and the individual behind it remains a primary target for investigators. The cases demonstrate a clear hierarchy, with "Jabba" directing operations from a distance while trusted associates manage the hands-on aspects of the trade.
The Case of Anthony Bowden
In August 2022, Anthony Bowden, 40, of Lancer Way in West Derby, was jailed for 21 years. He was described as one of the most trusted allies of the head of the operation. Bowden, a personal trainer, used the EncroChat handle "HyenaJaw" and played a leading role in the conspiracy.
"Bowden was closely trusted by Jabba and played a leading role in the conspiracy. He organised the purchase and sale of drugs on a commercial scale and arranged for couriers to transport the illicit substances."
The scale of the operation linked to Bowden was substantial. Court documents showed "Jabba" directed the sale of over 84 kilograms of heroin and 17 kilograms of cocaine. The gang was also responsible for importing at least 20 kilograms of heroin and 4 kilograms of cocaine from the Netherlands. Messages made reference to a "clogs bill," believed to be payments to Dutch suppliers.
Seizures and Evidence
- £10,800: Cash recovered from Lawrence Hill's residence.
- £30,000+: Value of designer goods seized from Anthony Bowden.
- Destroyed Evidence: Bowden attempted to destroy a mobile phone by submerging it in a glass of water when police raided his home.
The Wider Criminal Network
The investigation has revealed a complex network of individuals, each with a specific role. Anthony Bowden, for instance, supplied drugs to his cousin, Andrew Sweeney, a taxi driver from Bootle who used the handle "SquashChamp." Between March and May 2020, Sweeney received at least four-and-a-half kilograms of heroin for onward sale.
The use of encrypted communication platforms like EncroChat and WhatsApp was central to the group's ability to operate. The messages detailed logistics, payments, and even discussions on how to avoid police detection during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Ongoing Manhunt and Investigation
While three key figures—Toole, Hill, and Bowden—are now serving a combined total of 50 years in prison, the leader of the organised crime group remains free. Law enforcement agencies, under the umbrella of Operation Venetic, continue their efforts to identify and locate "Jabba-de-Hutt."
The infiltration of EncroChat has provided an unprecedented insight into the workings of organised crime. Authorities have identified approximately 60,000 users worldwide, with around 10,000 based in the UK. These users were involved in planning serious crimes, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and firearms distribution. The ongoing investigation aims to dismantle these networks from the top down, and the hunt for "Jabba-de-Hutt" is a critical part of that mission.