A 43-year-old man from New Brighton has been jailed as part of Operation Venetic, an international operation targeting criminals who use a mobile encryption service, commonly referred to as Encrochat, in an attempt to evade detection. 

Peter Lynch, 43, of St George's Mount, was jailed for 7 years 4 months today, Monday 22 August, after admitting conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis 

Lynch used the Encrochat handle 'Eagerape' between December 2019 and June 2020 to supply large quantities of Class A and B drugs across Merseyside. 

Lynch was arrested on 24 March 2022 as part of an operation involving European law enforcement agencies working with the NCA, and supported across the UK by police forces and Regional Organised Crime Units. 

The operation came about after law enforcement officials in Europe managed to crack the 'Encrochat' service being used by criminals involved in serious and organised crime to carry out their business. 

Lynch was also a supplier of 51-year-old Brian Connis of Barnston, who was jailed for 8 years, 9 months on 15 October 2021 after admitting conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. 

Nicholas Hughes, 27, was also employed as Lynch's driver and jailed for 5 years for conspiracy to supply cannabis and converting criminal property on 24 May 2021. 

Detective Sergeant Jay Boardman said: "Lynch is one of the latest in a long line of criminals that we've put behind bars as part of our ongoing investigation into drug supply in Merseyside.

"Lynch was supplying illegal drugs and generating vast profits in doing so. Hopefully he will now take time to reflect on the risks he took and the harm he caused, while serving his jail time.

"Our work to track these criminals down and bring down serious and organised criminal groups remains ongoing. To those who we haven't got to yet, our message is clear … expect the knock at the door. 

"Merseyside Police, along with law enforcement agencies across the world, will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of those people who think they are above the law, and we will continue to target anyone involved in serious organised crime to keep this positive momentum going."

Anyone with information on drug dealing is asked to contact @MerPolCC, 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.