A drug dealer who branded a couple his "pigs" and used them to test adulterated heroin was jailed for 14 years. Bradley Thompson, 40, of Martingale Close in Aintree, admitted conspiracy to supply heroin, cocaine and cannabis, conspiracy to produce heroin and two counts of possession of criminal property.
EncroChat messages exposed drug operation
Liverpool Crown Court heard on Friday that Thompson was identified as the user of the handle "Mind Waiter" on encrypted platform EncroChat after using his son's name as the lock screen password, and his device was found to "predominantly locate" close to his address. He also referenced "R Helen" and her date of birth, matching his aunt's details.
Prosecutor Henry Riding described how Thompson spoke of attending a barbeque at the home of a relative's partner, who was convicted in relation to EncroChat use. The ECHO understands this to be Michael Pope, jailed for 17-and-a-half years in 2022. Thompson was further incriminated by mentions of his own birthday, his garage, his partner's name, and his mother's address.
Couple used as testers
Mr Riding said: "On top of being involved in the supply of class A drugs, he was also involved in the adulteration process to maximise sales, and therefore profits. There are references to a couple called Cath and Tony. Cath and Tony are described in messages as pigs, which the crown have interpreted to mean guinea pigs. They are used to test drugs and the quality of those drugs. Cath is referred to in messages as being unwilling or unable to take drugs at a particular time because her oxygen was being delivered, and Tony was in a similar position before he died in 2022."
He added: "I make it crystal clear that the crown have no evidence to suggest it was as a result of anything that the defendant did that led to his untimely death in January 2022. Not only does the defendant adulterate drugs before moving them on, he uses them as some sort of testers."
Luxury lifestyle from drug profits
Thompson's communications discussed "pies and slots in vans" (hides in vehicles), charging £1,500 to fit stashes for others, and "sending someone to Hyundai in Leicester for parts" as cover. He was involved in discussions relating to the supply of 135kg of heroin, 6kg of cocaine and 10kg of cannabis.
He was arrested on February 12 this year, with police seizing £24,500 in cash, Rolex and Cartier watches, a Louis Vuitton handbag, a Land Rover Discovery and a Ford Transit van from his home. Thompson has five previous convictions for 11 offences, the most recent in June 2008 when he received 15 months for being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug.
Defence and sentencing
Lloyd Morgan, defending, said Thompson suffered a stroke in 2022, with health issues having a "marked effect" on him. He argued Thompson was "not at the top of the tree", pointing to messages showing him "acting on instructions" from the user "Loyal Owl", though the prosecution submitted they were "of an equal standing". Mr Morgan noted "genuine remorse" evidenced by letters, and that Thompson is "an orderly on his wing" mentoring other prisoners.
Sentencing, Recorder Mark Ainsworth said: "In this case, the levels we are concerned with are substantial. It is frequently said in these cases, and I say it again now, that one cannot underestimate the impact that the trafficking in drugs, in particular class A drugs, has within society." He described using the two people as "guinea pigs" as "plainly a serious aggravating factor".
Detective Chief Inspector Gary Stratton said: "Thompson is a large scale drug supplier who will now spend a significant length of time in custody to consider the great harm he has spread across the UK. Calling drug users pigs emphasises the complete contempt drug suppliers have for their customers, whose addictions they worsen and whose lives they put at risk."
He added that 234 people have been jailed for a combined 2,949 years by Merseyside Police as part of Operation Venetic, and highlighted the work of Project Medusa in tackling county lines activity.
