Kent Drug Dealers Jailed After Encrypted Phone Network Reveal

Two drug dealers from Kent have been jailed for a combined 18 years and four months after their identities were revealed through an encrypted phone network. The men were sentenced on Thursday 16 April.

Duffield, 56, and 63 year old Gearing, of Alexander Grove, Kings Hill, were each subsequently charged in relation to their criminal enterprise, as well as drugs found on them at the time of arrest.

Gearing was also charged for the cannabis cultivation and the drugs found in the abandoned vehicle. At court, Gearing admitted multiple offences.

These included being concerned in the supply of cocaine between 1 March and 31 July 2020. He also admitted possession with intent to supply cocaine on 5 July 2022.

Further admissions were possession with intent to supply cannabis on 23 November 2020. Gearing also admitted being concerned in the production of cannabis between 1 March 2020 and 31 July 2020.

He admitted producing cannabis on 5 July 2022 and possession of criminal property on 5 July 2022.

Duffield denied the counts but faced a five-day trial at Southwark Crown Court.

He was found guilty of being concerned in the supply of cocaine. Duffield was found not guilty of possessing cocaine with intent to supply and possession of criminal property.

Both men were sentenced on Thursday 16 April. Gearing received a custodial sentence of nine years and four months.

Duffield was jailed for nine years.

Police Statement

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Steve Brown said: ‘This was brazen offending by two men who thought they could get away with drug dealing by using an encrypted messaging service. The diligence and determination of police to break down the supply chain of drug dealing means that much like others who used Encrochat, Gearing and Duffield are now facing time behind bars. We will continue to target anyone who tries to bring illegal drugs into Kent.’

OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION: This article is based on an official press release issued by a Police Force. Document: Kent drug dealers jailed after their identities revealed on encrypted phone network Source Link 

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