A man suspected of dealing ketamine and heroin has been named as part of an investigation into dealers using mobile encryption service EncroChat.
Police confirmed that Kieran McMahon, of Titchfield Street, Vauxhall, was charged in the investigation known as Operation Venetic.
The 24-year-old will appear in court today charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine, heroin, ketamine and cannabis.
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A Merseyside police spokesperson said: "A 24 year-old Liverpool man has been charged as part of a Class A and B drugs conspiracy.
"Kieran McMahon, of Titchfield Street, Vauxhall, was charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (cocaine and heroin) and conspiracy to supply Class B drugs (ketamine and cannabis).
"He was remanded into custody to appear at the complex case adult remand court today, Friday 20th August.
"The charge forms part of the Merseyside Police response to Operation Venetic: a national investigation into the use of encrypted mobile devices, commonly referred to as Encrochat."
Operation Venetic became public just over a year ago and since around 60,000 users of EncroChat have been identified worldwide, with about 10,000 of them in the UK.
Merseyside Police say in that time the force has arrested more than 130 people, charged more than 100 people and seen more than 30 people convicted to a total of 366 years in prison.
