Overview

• Anthony Dean, 42, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracies, importing a Class B drug and money laundering and was jailed for 16 years, while William Swann, 39, admitted encouraging the commission of an offence and received 14 years at Liverpool Crown Court from Judge Simon Medland KC.
• Investigators tied the pair to EncroChat handles "octojam" and "OctoRain" after they exchanged selfies about lockdown hairstyles, including a topless mirror photo that aided identification.
• Prosecution evidence showed discussions over wholesale deals covering 13.5kg of heroin, 13kg of cocaine and 62kg of cannabis, with the capability to source imported consignments.
• Detectives said further evidence after their January arrests indicated Dean’s involvement in at least an additional 100kg of Class A drugs, valuing the operation in the millions.
• Messages detailed a laundering setup and a claimed £6,250 weekly personal wage, and Merseyside Police said the case forms part of Operation Venetic’s efforts disrupting organised crime and county lines activity.