Three 'Extremely Dangerous' Drug Dealers Jailed After EncroChat Messages Exposed
Three men described as 'extremely dangerous' drug dealers have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms after their secret communications on the encrypted EncroChat platform were uncovered by investigators. Carl Ian Jones, Harly Wise, and Naginder Gill plotted a range of serious firearms and drug offences, with their discussions revealing plans to trade military-grade weapons.
Encrypted Communications Platform Breached
The trio's illicit activities came to light when the EncroChat encrypted communications service was taken down in 2020, exposing thousands of lines of data. National Crime Agency (NCA) investigators painstakingly analysed this information, which detailed the daily movement of class A and B drugs. The evidence showed that Jones and Wise operated as facilitators, moving drugs to contacts for profit.
Firearms and Drug Offences Detailed
Carl Ian Jones, 59, of Heath Court, Hale, Greater Manchester, who used the EncroChat handle 'stalehead', attempted to broker a deal for an AR15 assault rifle with 50 bullets. He also admitted hiding guns in a property he owned in Mallora, citing that his girlfriend was 'going mad'. Jones was convicted at trial of multiple drugs and firearms charges.
Harly Wise, 29, of Wyndham Road, Ealing, London, using handles 'bluffcheatah' and 'hungrykiller', admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine, cannabis, methylamphetamine, and conspiracy to transfer prohibited weapons. He brokered the sale of two 9mm handguns and 50 bullets in May 2020, with an exchange planned near Eltham, south London. Wise also admitted conspiring to kidnap a rival drug dealer from Birmingham over a £350,000 debt, discussing plans in London's Greenwich Park.
Naginder Gill, of Seymour Road, Oldbury, with the handle 'indianocean', admitted conspiring to supply a range of drugs. The trio's discussions included trading firearms such as AK47s and an Uzi submachine gun.
Sentencing and Public Safety
During a hearing at Bolton Crown Court on Thursday, January 29, Jones was jailed for 30 years, Wise for 25 years, and Gill for 20 years. Following the sentencing, NCA branch commander Jon Hughes stated: “These men are extremely dangerous offenders and the streets are safer now they’re in prison. We’ve seen in recent years that entirely innocent victims can be tragically caught in the crossfire of feuding organised crime groups. Drugs and firearms crimes are often interconnected. The NCA will continue to work with partners at home and abroad to protect the public from these threats.”
The case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat organised crime through technological means and international cooperation.
