Kent Drug Dealers Caught After Encrochat Hack
Bradley O’Neill and Wayne Denton played starring roles in a major Class A drug ring, using the encrypted messaging app Encrochat to organise their cocaine empire.
Police Crack Encrochat, Crack Down on Dealers
Kent Police launched a probe when international law enforcement cracked Encrochat in 2020. Between March and June that year, O’Neill, 29, from Sheerness, arranged deliveries totalling 25 kilos of cocaine to other suppliers.
Known as ‘Call Me Curly’ on Encrochat, O’Neill unwittingly helped cops pin him down. He dropped clues about past police stops, including a search by Met officers on the A2 near Bexleyheath in April 2020.
“Like many other criminals who have also been sent to prison since the Encrochat messaging service was cracked, O’Neill and Denton thought they could communicate freely about the crimes they were committing. They now understand that there is no hiding place from the law.” – Detective Constable Steve Brown
Denton Runs Safehouse, Sends Photo Slip-Up
Wayne Denton, 37, from Downham Market, Norfolk, operated a safehouse where the stash was kept. He went by ‘Call Me Fisherman’ and blew his cover after sending a photo of his driving licence to O’Neill. He also shared family details that confirmed his identity.
Justice Served – Long Prison Terms for Dealers
O’Neill pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and was jailed for nine years at Maidstone Crown Court in July 2024.
Denton followed suit, admitting conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and receiving a sentence of four years and nine months.
Detective Constable Steve Brown slammed the pair: “Cocaine ruins lives and has no place on Kent’s streets. We won’t stop until drug dealers like these are behind bars, where they can’t harm society any longer.”
