North Devon drug dealer who used ‘criminals only’ phone platform is jailed

A North Devon drug dealer who used a sophisticated encrypted phone platform to carry out his business has been jailed for 56 months.

Anthony ‘Tony’ Hern, 41, of Channel View, Ilfracombe, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court after pleading guilty to being concerned in the Supply of Class A drugs in Ilfracombe.

The sentence related to offending committed back in 2020 which came to light more recently, resulting in Hern’s arrest on April 23 of this year.

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The court heard how Hern was a user of an encrypted phone platform called EncroChat, which has since been shut down. EncroChat was a disguised application on a type of handset used almost exclusively by organised criminals and crime groups.

The devices cost thousands of pounds, with a further fee to be paid to use the platform. Once signed up, users were able to disguise their real identity.

An investigation into the platform found that Hern was linked to one of the handsets.

Messages showed he was involved in the dealing of two kilograms of cocaine, acting as a buyer, arranging a price and co-ordinating the delivery of two one kilogram blocks of cocaine.

Hern was found to have paid £40,000 and £38,000 for the respective blocks.

On arrest, Hern’s house was searched and £15,000 in cash located, along with Rolex watches and two expensive motor vehicles.

In interview, Hern admitted his past involvement.

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Crime can also be reported completely anonymously. Visit the Crimestoppers website or call 0800 555 111 to report a crime with 100% anonymity.