A key figure in large-scale Class A drug distribution across the UK, known by the EncroChat handle "Jabba-de-Hutt," continues to evade capture. This week, three of his associates received significant prison sentences totaling 40 years for their roles in a major drug supply network. The elusive ringleader has been linked to multiple high-profile trials since the EncroChat encrypted communication service was compromised in 2020.
Key Takeaways
- EncroChat user "Jabba-de-Hutt" is still at large despite links to multiple drug trials.
- Three key associates were jailed for a combined 40 years this week.
- The network supplied significant quantities of heroin, cocaine, and cannabis across the UK.
- International law enforcement cracked the EncroChat server in 2020, revealing extensive criminal communications.
- Previous associate Anthony Bowden received 21 years in 2022 for his role in Jabba's operation.
Associates Sentenced in Latest Trial
Joseph Toole, 55, and Lawrence Hill, 52, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court. They were identified as managerial figures within an organised crime group directed by "Jabba-de-Hutt." Their involvement led to hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and heroin being distributed throughout the United Kingdom.
Toole, known by the EncroChat handle "SummerHillNew," managed the financial aspects of the illicit operation. Messages recovered from the EncroChat server, which was cracked by international law enforcement in 2020, showed his direct communication with Jabba.
Drug Quantities Handled
- Joseph Toole: Conspiracy to supply 249kg of cocaine, 125kg of heroin, and 441kg of cannabis.
- Lawrence Hill: Conspiracy to supply 262kg of cocaine and 111kg of heroin.
Recorder Michelle Brown described Toole as a "hands-on" figure. He worked directly with drug sources, collected money, and arranged the shipment of Class A drugs. Toole was also responsible for providing encrypted devices to other members of the group. Messages showed him referring to the large amounts of drugs and money as "ours" and managing the payment of other henchmen.
Roles Within the Criminal Network
Lawrence Hill served as Toole's "right-hand man." He was involved in coordinating deliveries and collecting payments. During a police raid following his arrest, officers discovered £10,800 in cash at his home. Recorder Brown identified Hill as a "trusted member of this crime enterprise."
Stella Hayden, prosecuting, explained that the organised crime group was "well-established." It primarily supplied drugs to areas such as Bristol and Yorkshire. Evidence presented in court indicated that Toole and Hill orchestrated the distribution of cocaine between September 2018 and July 2020. They were also involved in heroin distribution from December 2019 to July 2020. Toole additionally assisted in the supply of cannabis during the same period as cocaine distribution.
Joseph Toole, residing on Aysgarth Avenue in West Derby, received a sentence of 16 years in prison. Lawrence Hill, from Longmeadow Road in Knowsley Village, was sentenced to 13 years in prison. These sentences reflect the serious nature of their involvement in the drug trade.
EncroChat Crackdown
Operation Venetic is an international law enforcement operation targeting criminals who used the EncroChat platform. The service was compromised in 2020, providing authorities with access to thousands of encrypted messages. This breakthrough has led to numerous arrests and convictions across the UK and globally. Approximately 60,000 EncroChat users were identified worldwide, with about 10,000 in the UK. These individuals were involved in coordinating drug and weapons supply, money laundering, and other criminal activities.
Previous Cases Linked to Jabba
This week's sentencing marks the second significant case since the EncroChat crack where "Jabba-de-Hutt" has been identified as the ringleader of a major Class A drug operation. Merseyside Police have confirmed that no arrests or charges have yet been made in connection with the username.
In August 2022, Anthony Bowden, 40, was jailed for 21 years for his connection to a massive drug plot also headed by "Jabba-de-Hutt." Bowden, from Lancer Way in West Derby, was one of Jabba's most trusted allies. He used the EncroChat handle "HyenaJaw."
Anthony Bowden's Role
Bowden played a crucial role in the conspiracy. He directed the sale of more than 84kg of heroin and 17kg of cocaine. Of these amounts, the gang was responsible for importing over 20kg of heroin and 4kg of cocaine. Bowden was described as being "closely trusted" by Jabba and playing a "leading role" in the conspiracy. He arranged commercial-scale drug purchases and sales, as well as coordinating couriers for transportation.
During his arrest, Bowden attempted to destroy a mobile phone by submerging it in a glass of water. Police also seized over £30,000 worth of designer goods from him. Bowden had nicknamed himself "KP," referencing former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips.
Bowden supplied drugs to his cousin, Andrew Sweeney, 40, a taxi driver from Bootle, who used the handle "SquashChamp." Sweeney received at least 4.5kg of heroin for resale between March and May 2020. On one occasion, he took possession of 2kg of drugs at a cost of £32,000.
Sweeney was later arrested at Holyhead ferry terminal in May 2021. His encrypted messages showed him discussing how lockdown would not impact his drug dealing and ways to avoid police detection. Bowden also discussed importing drugs from the Netherlands, referencing a "clogs bill" for European suppliers. At least three supply missions occurred between the Netherlands and the UK, with other illicit business conducted via WhatsApp.
The Ongoing Search for Jabba-de-Hutt
Despite the combined 40-year sentences handed down to his henchmen, "Jabba-de-Hutt" remains at large. Operation Venetic continues its efforts to locate and apprehend the ringleader of this extensive criminal network. The ongoing investigation highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in dismantling complex international drug operations.
The successful decryption of EncroChat messages has been a significant tool for authorities. However, the continued freedom of key figures like Jabba underscores the persistent nature of organised crime. Authorities remain committed to bringing all those involved to justice.