South Tyneside cocaine dealer jailed after encrypted messages infiltrated by police
Adam Reay, of West Boldon, was caught after law enforcement agencies gained access to the EncroChat messaging system
by Rob Kennedy · ChronicleLiveA drug dealer has been jailed after messages on his phone revealed he was "heavily involved" in the supply of cocaine.
Adam Reay used an EncroChat device, where he had the username "IcyViper", to bulk buy the class A drug, which he would cut then sell on in smaller deals. Newcastle Crown Court heard messages, between March and May 2020, showed Reay was able to purchase cocaine on credit, until his debt got too high, and would sell it on using "runners".
EncroChat users had believed their criminal conversations were confidential until the system was infiltrated by law enforcement agencies in 2019. Prosecutor Glenn Gatland said: "EncroChat users have their own names. IcyViper's messages were recovered from Reay's phone and showed, the Crown would say, he was heavily involved in the supply and distribution in the South Tyneside area of cocaine and mixing cocaine with adulterants."
Mr Gatland said Reay would buy his cocaine from a person further up the drugs chain, which he would get others to collect, reprocess using a hydraulic press and mixing agents and sell on.
He added: "It was apparent Reay was allowed some drugs on credit but towards the end of the messages supply was refused to him until his debt was paid." Mr Gatland said the messages indicated Reay would typically get "around half a kilo" from his supplier and added: "Reay buys the cocaine, which he reprocesses then sells in grammes."
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The court heard other messages related to the buying and selling of "good quality" cannabis. Reay, 32, of Hindmarch Drive, West Boldon, who has a long criminal record, admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis and was jailed for six years.
The court head he has a history of mental illness and has been completing courses in prison to "make himself a better person" and hopes to have employment lined up for when he is released.
Paula Lynch, 41, of Gorse Avenue, South Shields, admitted allowing her premises to be used as a "safehouse" for drugs and related equipment. The court heard Lynch became involved due to threats, has "total regret" over it and has been in no trouble since. She was sentenced to 18 weeks, suspended for 18 months, with rehabilitation requirements.
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