Merseyside Police have charged a man as part of their Operation Venetic investigation into the use of encrypted phones - known as EncroChat.
Graeme Eric Minards, of Canella Avenue, Norris Green, will today appear in court after being accused of using EncroChat to supply drugs.
The 36-year-old has been charged with conspiracy to import cocaine and heroin, conspiracy to supply cocaine, heroin, ketamine, cannabis and amphetamine and possessing criminal property.
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A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "We have charged a 36 year-old Liverpool man as part of a Class A and B drugs conspiracy.
"Graeme Eric Minards, of Canella Avenue, Norris Green, was charged with conspiracy to import cocaine and heroin, conspiracy to supply cocaine, heroin, ketamine, cannabis and amphetamine and possessing criminal property.
"The charges form part of the Merseyside Police response to Operation Venetic: a national investigation into the use of encrypted mobile devices, commonly referred to as EncroChat.
"He has been remanded in custody to appear at Wirral adult remand court today, Friday 7th January.
"If you have any information about suspected drug dealing in your area, please contact @MerPolCC, 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress."
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