A cocaine dealer used an expensive EncroChat device to speak to those above him in a drugs chain and used a pseudonym to hide his identity. His cover was blown after the EncroChat server was infiltrated by the French authorities.
Wesley Fender, 39, of Cardiff, was involved the supply of five kilograms of cocaine between March 31 and April 24, 2020, and was known by the handle "LooseBow". He was described as playing a "leading role" in a conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and had close links to the original source.
A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday heard Fender would have expected a substantial financial advantage as a result of the conspiracy and was found in possession of two high-valued cars when he was raided by police. The defendant had also been the owner of an Audi R8.
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After the EnrcoChat server was infiltrated by the authorities several hundred messages were discovered between Fender's handle "LooseBow" and another dealer further up the chain who used the handle "RioMale". References were made in their conversations to supplying drugs in kilo quantities, cash, exchange rates, and firearms while there were also threats of violence against others.
In his sentencing remarks to the court Recorder Andrew Hammond said: "We see people whose entire lives have been ruined by Class A drugs.... Those who make a commercial enterprise out of this are trading in human misery." He said Fender would have been important to those higher up the chain and would have expected to make significant amounts of money.
Fender, of Coed y Gores, Pentwyn, initially denied being "LooseBow" but later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs at the beginning of his trial. The court heard he had 24 previous convictions including one for possession of cocaine with intent to supply in 2011.
In mitigation the court was asked to take into account totality when considering the defendant's sentence as well as his guilty plea. It was also heard he had a long-standing girlfriend and a teenage daughter who would suffer as a result of his imprisonment.
Fender was sentenced to a term of 12 years imprisonment. He will serve half the sentence in custody before he is released to serve the remainder on licence.
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