Sentencing of a Leicestershire man to over 20 years in prison has marked the conclusion of a complex five-year investigation into international drug trafficking networks exposed through the encrypted messaging platform Encrochat.
On Friday, 3 October, at Leicester Crown Court, Patrick Sweeney, 37, of Hinckley Road, Sapcote, was sentenced to 20 years and six months’ imprisonment after being found guilty of a range of serious drug offences. These include conspiracy to supply Class A, B, and C drugs, conspiracy to produce amphetamine, possession with intent to supply amphetamine, acquiring criminal property, and conspiracy to fraudulently evade a prohibition on the importation of ketamine.
Picture credit: Leicestershire Police
The sentencing follows years of painstaking investigative work by Leicestershire Police, which began after European authorities dismantled Encrochat in 2020. The encrypted platform, used by organised criminals to plan illegal activities, was infiltrated as part of a Europe-wide law enforcement operation, providing access to millions of covert messages.
Sgt Waheed Nagdi, who led the investigation, described the case as “meticulous and complex,” highlighting the extensive analysis required to trace Sweeney’s involvement in the supply and importation of illegal drugs. Evidence linked Sweeney to the supply of more than 10kg of cocaine, as well as large quantities of cannabis, amphetamine, ketamine, and Valium.
“Despite the delays and challenges in getting the case to trial, the focus was always on ensuring the full extent of Sweeney’s criminal activity could be presented in court,” Sgt Nagdi said.
Sweeney was arrested in 2021 after sufficient evidence was gathered. His conviction and subsequent sentencing underscore the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to dismantle serious organised crime operations and protect communities from the harm caused by drug trafficking.
Sgt Nagdi added: “Sweeney believed that by using Encrochat, his crimes would remain hidden. This sentencing proves otherwise.”
Authorities continue to encourage the public to report drug-related concerns and remind those affected by substance misuse that support is available through Turning Point.
