A cocaine supplier has been jailed for nine years following the cracking of a heavily-encrypted messaging service for criminals.
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Lee Prescott arranged to purchase kilogram blocks of the class A drug using the illegal EncroChat mobile phone platform, unaware the software had been cracked by international law enforcement agencies.
Kent Police was provided with messages showing that between April and the end of May 2020, Prescott had agreed to buy 6kg of cocaine in addition to 20kg of cannabis.
Jungle Painter
They also proved that Prescott, using the name ‘Jungle Painter’, was a key member of a drug supply network and would regularly discuss the cost and quality of illegal substances. On two occasions he was evidenced as having collected kilogram blocks of cocaine in person, once from a location in West Kingsdown and another from South Darenth.
Prescott, 35, was arrested at his home in Greenhithe, on Tuesday 28 March 2023 when officers also discovered an extendable baton and a knuckleduster during a search of the property.
He was later charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis and possession of offensive weapons, and pleaded guilty to all offences prior to his sentencing at Woolwich Crown Court on Friday 14 July.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Martin Lacey of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: ‘Lee Prescott and other criminals like him thought they could freely discuss the sale of class A drugs, oblivious that the platform they were using had been compromised and their illegal activities were being monitored.
‘Thanks to the intervention of our law enforcement partners abroad, we were able to investigate and confirm the identity of ‘Jungle Painter’ and ensure Prescott was brought to justice.
‘Drugs ruin lives and there is no place in Kent for anyone who seeks to benefit financially from the misery of others.’