Drug dealer jailed after international police crack encrypted phones of gangsters

A drug dealer in east London has been jailed after police intercepted his phone messages having cracked the EncroChat system which criminals believed kept their communications secret.

Rourke Lorenzo David, 36, from Chigwell, was sentenced to six years in prison at Snaresbrook Crown Court for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

The sentence, handed down on Thursday, was made possible by a top secret international policing operation which has seen dozens of drug dealers and organised crime group members brought to justice.

Police in Woodford Green officers suspected David to be a significant figure in a large-scale drug operation after receiving intelligence.

Experts from the National Crime Agency (NCA) passed information onto the Met after European police cracked the encrypted communications platform EncroChat.

The intelligence revealed that during a two-month period in 2020 David acted as a middleman in drug sales of cocaine, valued at approximately £213,150.

Police Constable Mia Marett Gregory, leading the investigation, said: “We are committed to taking drugs off our streets and combatting the sale of dangerous and illegal substances which pose a threat to our communities.

“Those that profit from the illegal drugs trade should be prepared to feel the full force of the law and I hope today’s sentence goes some way in deterring criminals.

“We will continue to dismantle organised crime networks and work with our partners to protect vulnerable people who feel they have no choice but to turn to drugs, so we can build a safer London for everyone.”

The court heard how David coordinated cocaine sales between organised crime groups.

They in turn planned to sell cocaine onto individual buyers mainly across west and central London. He provided samples to buyers and arranged for courier services, payments and delivery of drugs, the court heard.

David used sophisticated techniques to avoid detection which he passed on to fellow criminals.

This included advising one buyer on discreet cash handling techniques to avoid leaving fingerprints.

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