Drug dealer who ran £150k drug enterprise through encrypted device is jailed
A drug dealer who ran a cocaine enterprise through the use of an encrypted device has been jailed for more than seven years.
Wesley Leroy Burgo became a prime suspect in an investigation into a wider conspiracy to supply Class A drugs in the North East.
Specialist officers from the Force’s Serious and Organised Crime Team interrogated the ‘EncroChat’ messaging network as part of Operation Venetic.
Burgo was soon revealed to be working under the handle of ‘Hooper’, and evidence was acquired from conversations with trusted associates between March 21, 2020, and June 2 of the same year.
Messages confirmed the now 29-year-old was involved in the supply of almost three kilos of cocaine with an estimated street value of £150,000, as well as the collection of cash earned from the criminal enterprise.
Following a range of complex enquiries into the conspiracy, Burgo was arrested on October 15, 2021 in Birkenhead, Merseyside.
The dealer had flown from Spain to Ireland before travelling by ferry to Merseyside in an apparent attempt to avoid detection at passport control.
Burgo, of Whitley Road, Whitley Bay, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs on the first day of his scheduled trial at Newcastle Crown Court in February.
He appeared before the same court on Wednesday, and was sentenced to seven years and three months in prison.
Following Burgo’s sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Marc Michael, of Northumbria Police, said: “I am extremely pleased with this result and would like to thank the officers who have worked tirelessly to bring Burgo to justice.
“Cocaine is a hugely destructive and addictive substance in our communities, and we will not waver from our goal of seeking out all of those who supply it.
“Burgo made a comfortable living for himself by profiting from this trade, and believed himself to be above the law through the use of an encrypted device.
“However, there is no hiding place for drug dealers in the North East. As part of Operation Sentinel, we will continue to crackdown upon organised criminal activity in our Force area.
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“We would ask members of the public to continue working with us by reporting any suspicious activity or concerns to us, not matter how insignificant they may seem.”
Anyone who would like to report suspicious activity should use the ‘Report’ page of the Northumbria Police website or call 101.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
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