Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Wednesday 19th March 2025, at 21:00hrs
Four men have been sentenced to a combined 43 years and eight months in prison for their involvement in large-scale drug supply and tobacco smuggling operations across Merseyside.
The sentencing, which took place at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday, March 18th, follows a complex investigation under Operation Venetic, targeting criminals using encrypted Encrochat devices.
The convicted individuals are:
* Peter Wilson, 46, of Alderwood Court, Widnes, who received a 10-year and 8-month sentence for conspiracy to import and supply cocaine and amphetamine, as well as tobacco smuggling.
* Paul Wilson, 53, of no fixed abode, sentenced to nine years for conspiracy to supply cocaine and ecstasy, and tobacco smuggling.
* Andrew Brennan, 43, of Cavendish Mews, West Yorkshire, who was jailed for eight years for supplying cocaine and tobacco smuggling.
* Anthony Judge, 51, of Ellerman Road, Liverpool, who received a 16-year sentence for conspiracy to supply cocaine, heroin, and ketamine, as well as money laundering and conspiracy to import ketamine.
The Wilson brothers and Brennan were apprehended as part of Merseyside Police’s ongoing efforts under Operation Venetic, an international operation targeting those who use Encrochat devices to conduct criminal activities.
Encrochat data revealed the scale of their operations:
* Peter Wilson, using the handle ‘lesserpark’, was involved in the distribution of tobacco products valued at £1,200,753, cocaine worth £675,000, and amphetamine worth £7,000.
* Paul Wilson, operating under the handle ‘bigsh**ger’, was linked to the supply of cigarettes valued at £2,721,729, cocaine worth £375,000, and 1,000 ecstasy tablets.
* Andrew Brennan, known as ‘specialmask’, was involved in the trafficking of illegal cigarettes valued at £5,203,993 and cocaine worth £187,000.
In a separate investigation, Anthony Judge, identified as the user of the handle ‘busysage’, was arrested in May 2022.
A search of his residence uncovered £48,000 in cash hidden under his mattress. Further investigation showed he was involved in the supply of 34kg of cocaine, 42.5kg of heroin, 50kg of ketamine, and conspired to import 500kg of ketamine.
Detective Sergeant Craig Doyle emphasized the significance of the sentencing, stating,
“It was a significant day in court yesterday as we remove four drug dealers from the streets of Merseyside and they each begin to serve lengthy prison terms for their actions.”
He added, “These men clearly thought they could hide from police by using encrypted devices in order to peddle drugs, but sadly for them we are relentless in our pursuit of those involved in serious organised crime.
Thanks to our continued work under Operation Venetic to detect and arrest those involved in the sale and distribution of Class A and B drugs, these four men were identified and arrested.”
Merseyside Police urged the public to report any information related to drug dealing by contacting @MerPolCC via direct message, calling 101, or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
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