A suspected Liverpool drug dealer was today named by detectives targeting criminals who use the mobile encryption service EncroChat.
The man has been charged as part of huge international police operation Operation Venetic.
The operation involves European law enforcement agencies working with the NCA and supported across the UK by police forces and Regional Organised Crime Units.
Today Merseyside Police said as part of the investigation they have have charged a 38-year-old Liverpool man with Class A drugs conspiracy offences.
A spokesperson added: "Carl Anthony Stewart, of Gem Street, Vauxhall, was charged with conspiracy to fraudulently evade a prohibition on the importation of Class A drugs, conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and acquire/use/possess criminal property.
"The charges come as part of the national Operation Venetic."
Stewart was remanded into custody to appear at Wirral adult remand court today, Thursday, February 18.
Last week Merseyside Police said the force has so far arrested more than 60 people, of which 35 have been charged with serious drug trafficking or firearms offences.
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Around 60,000 users of encrochat have been identified worldwide, with about 10,000 of them in the UK – all involved in coordinating and planning the supply and distribution of drugs and weapons, money laundering and other criminal activity.
Detectives in Merseyside have said they have seized around 45 kilos of Class A drugs, £1.3 million in cash and recovered three firearms with ammunition.
They're working closely alongside partners in the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) and the National Crime Agency (NCA) in these and other investigations.
