Drug boss jailed for 18 years after secret network busted

A cocaine dealer who used Encrochat to arrange the supply of kilos of the drug across the North West did so using the handle 'monstermunchman.'

Jamie Joseph Veale, 32, from Widnes, used the secretive communications network - that was used by serious and organised criminals before it was cracked by international law enforcement in May 2020 - to run his large-scale operation.

Even though jobless Veale had no visible signs of income, he also talked of staying in luxury villas overseas for months at a time, owned a jet ski, had designer watches, and went on extravagant holidays, the Liverpool Echo reports.

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After EncroChat was brought down, Cheshire Police became part of a huge operation led by the National Crime Agency and working with the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit and the Crown Prosecution Service.

This led to Veale being identified as a suspect. Between May 19 and June 13 2020 Veale used the encrypted network to negotiate prices for kilo amounts of class A drugs from those involved in the importation of the bulk amounts. He was responsible for the supply of at least 17kg of cocaine.

On Monday, June 29 2020, Cheshire Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit executed a warrant at Veale’s address and discovered multiple mobile devices, cash, a large amount of designer jewellery and clothing, and drug related paraphernalia.

Veale, of Moorfield Road, was arrested and charged with drugs supply offences. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs at Liverpool Crown Court and was jailed for 18 years.

Detective Sergeant Christian Gordon said: “Despite having no job, Veale reaped the benefits of his criminal