A man from Ashton-under-Lyne has been jailed for nine years for his role in an Organised Crime Group involved in the large-scale supply of class A drugs across the North of England.

Matthew Clarke, 43, of Mansfield Road, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs and money laundering. 

He appeared at Manchester Crown Court on Friday (28 April) to be sentenced. 

At the forefront of the police investigation was the use of encrypted mobile phones, which falls under Operation Venetic, the UK’s response to disrupt the encrypted communication system used by organised criminal networks. Operation Venetic is led by the NCA and is the UK’s largest operation to fight organised crime.

The technology behind these devices previously made it impossible for police to obtain any data or evidence from the devices. Unfortunately for Clarke, the disruption of Encro chat allowed officers to access the encrypted data which has ultimately resulted in his conviction.

Content on the encrypted phone revealed messages from Clarke, who was using the alias ‘gingerspeaker’, messaging other gang members across the region, swapping images of drugs, referencing the exchange of large quantities of cash, and how to avoid the police whilst carrying the drugs.

The encrypted messages detailed his every move, leading detectives straight to his door.

The court heard how Clarke played a significant role in the Ashton-based gang. Using his encrypted phone, Clarke was directed by individuals higher up the chain to travel across the North distributing wholesale amounts of cocaine totalling 147 kilos and the movement of over £100,000 in cash - all of which he was paid a wage for.

During March 2020 and May 2020, the amount of drugs police encountered during Clarke’s investigation have an estimated street value of over £14 million.

Detective Inspector Paul Crompton, from GMP Serious Organised Crime Group, said: "Within a two-month period, Clarke collected and supplied at least 147 kilograms of cocaine. This quantity of drugs should not be underestimated, and this level of supply is rarely encountered in these types of investigations.

"It goes to show the level Clarke was operating at, he was organised, with a lot of experience which could only be developed over a considerable amount of time.

“I hope today's sentencing goes to show no matter how organised or sophisticated you may think you are; our detectives will proactively pursue all available lines of enquiry and take robust action against you. 

“Though some work into drug investigations can't always be seen - there is a lot going on behind the scenes. We will always listen to our communities' concerns and any information or issues that are fed to us can sometimes hugely assist our on-going investigations.”

Anyone with information or concerns should report to police online at www.gmp.police.uk or via 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.

Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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