Scarisbrick man one of two jailed for drug offences

Two men who were conspiring to sell Class A drugs across England and Scotland have been jailed.
 
Owen Sheerin (Left), aged 36 of Smithy Lane, Scarisbrick and John Green (Right), aged 54 of Tree View Court, Maghull were jailed for 8 years, 8 months and seven years, four months at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday, Tuesday 7 November.
 
They are the latest offenders to be jailed as part of Merseyside Police’s response to Operation Venetic: an international operation targeting criminals who used a mobile encryption service, commonly referred to as Encrochat, in an attempt to evade detection when dealing drugs.
 
An extensive investigation found that Sheerin was the instigator of a huge drugs operation and was assisted by Green. Sheerin used the Encrochat handle “Frosty-Scotch”, and Green was known as “Base-Bat.” They used these names and encrypted devices to avoid detection from law enforcement, sharing messages about planned drug deals and images.
 
Together they were responsible for the supply of Cocaine and Diamorphine (Heroin). The males are estimated to have handled in the region of half a million pounds for supplying drugs across the UK.
 
Sheerin and Green were arrested in October 2022 and subsequently pleaded guilty to several drug offences at a previous court hearing in Liverpool.
 
Detective Inspector Peter McCullough said: “Sheerin and Green’s attempts to supply significant amounts of Class A drugs were thwarted by our officers who examined images and messages from their encrypted devices.
 
“One message from Sheerin mentioned a BBQ party for Green’s 52nd birthday that referenced both of their handles Frosty-Scotch and Base-bat. Another showed an image of a fish tank which Green shared that was later found at his house during a search at the address.
 
“This revealed their clear intentions to sell drugs on a wide commercial scale that could have brought suffering to families and residents in our communities.
 
"We know the devastation that drugs cause and Merseyside Police remains relentless in our pursuit of these criminals and ending their drug trades
 
“I hope this result shows that our officers will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of these people who think they are above the law and believe they can evade justice.
 
“We will continue to target criminals like Sheerin and Green by thoroughly examining any evidence and carrying out any necessary arrests across Merseyside.”

Anyone with information on drug dealing is asked to contact @MerPolCC, or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.