A man was charged in connection with alleged Encrochat drug dealing, after being deported from Holland.
John Barton was arrested by police at Manchester Airport at 12.50pm on Wednesday, November 23. The 47-year-old, of Ennerdale Road, Formby, was charged with conspiracy to supply heroin, cocaine and cannabis using the encrypted messaging platform.
He was also charged with conspiracy to sell/transfer a prohibited weapon. Barton was remanded into custody and is due to appear before magistrates today, Thursday, November 24.
READ MORE: Man repeatedly punched in face in Heaven nightclub attack
Merseyside police said Barton's charge forms part of the their response to Operation Venetic - a national investigation into the use of encrypted mobile devices, commonly referred to as Encrochat.
In this case, the force worked in conjunction with Crown Prosecution Service and the National Crime Agency to extradite Barton from Holland in their effots to identify those suspected of using the platform to deal drugs.
A spokesperson said: "A Sefton man has been arrested and charged with conspiracy to supply heroin, cocaine and cannabis using the Encrochat encrypted messaging platform.
"At around 12.50pm on Wednesday 23 November, police executed a warrant to arrest a 47-year-old man at Manchester Airport after being extradited from Holland. John Barton, 47 years, of Ennerdale Road, Formby has been charged with conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs and sell/transfer a prohibited weapon."
READ NEXT: Police still building cases in unsolved shootings as manhunts continue
Curtis Warren freed after 14 years and 'back in Liverpool'
Parents rushed teen to A&E after headteacher's worried phone call
Teen begged alleged killer to 'leave it' before being beaten to death
People arrive at work to find police cordon after woman's death
