The head of an organised crime group (OCG) has been jailed after his Encrochat messages were uncovered by police.
Detectives from Greater Manchester Police kept the OCG under surveillance as they used encrypted mobile phones to communicate and arrange their drugs drop-offs between 2019 and 2020. Over £60,000 in cash, 27.5kg of cocaine and 50kg of amphetamine, totalling £400,000, were seized as part of the large-scale investigation, along with machinery including a hydraulic press and paraphernalia used in the preparation of drugs.
Using the handle 'NeverSayNever', dad-of-four Michael Doyle, 36, discussed prices and locations for picking up drugs and money, prosecution barrister Andy Scott told Manchester Crown Court. GMP also identified Doyle as the ringleader of the OCG, the court heard.
