Newry Man Jailed For EncroChat Drug Offences

A 48-year-old man from Newry has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison for drug offences uncovered following the takedown of the encrypted phone network, EncroChat.

Rory Trainor appeared before Londonderry Crown Court on, Wednesday, 25 March, where he received the sentence, with half to be served in custody and the remainder on licence.

The investigation and subsequent sentencing are a result of Operation Venetic, a National Crime Agency-led initiative supported by European law enforcement agencies that successfully infiltrated the EncroChat communication system.

Detective Inspector McCamley from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Organised Crime Branch explained that EncroChat was utilised by organised crime groups to facilitate illegal activities, including drug importation and cash movement.

"A search of the defendant's home in Newry took place in July 2020," stated Detective Inspector McCamley. "A subsequent and extensive examination of data obtained from the EncroChat network revealed exchanges between the defendant and multiple criminal associates regarding drugs. Their interactions detailed the international transfer of drugs into Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, as well as where the best return could be achieved, and exchange rates for changing sterling into euro." The wealth of evidence gathered, corroborated by CCTV footage of meetings and handovers, demonstrated Trainor's involvement in both the importation and supply of Class A and Class B controlled drugs, specifically cocaine and cannabis.

Last November, Trainor pleaded guilty to 37 offences relating to drugs and criminal property, all committed between March and June 2020. These included transferring criminal property and conspiracy to transfer criminal property. The drug-related offences included being concerned in the supply of a Class A controlled drug, as well as conspiracy to import a Class B drug and being concerned in the supply of a Class B drug.

Detective Inspector McCamley acknowledged the collaborative effort involved in the case. "Throughout this case we have worked alongside partners, including the Public Prosecution Service and the National Crime Agency. And it's thanks to collective efforts, backed by the expertise of detectives from our own Cyber Crime Centre and Economic Crime Unit, that we were able to bring the defendant before the court."

He added a warning to others involved in organised crime: "Working with partners, we will continue to tackle and disrupt the movements and activities of organised crime groups. To those who make their money at the expense of vulnerable members of our communities, please be assured that you will be identified and you will be held to account."