Paul McNabb, 40, from Huyton, was sentenced to 10 years and eight months in prison at Liverpool Crown Court on August 13 after pleading guilty to drug supply offences. Police found 38 blocks of high-purity cocaine in his van, following an investigation linked to the encrypted EncroChat network.
EncroChat messages revealed drug dealing
McNabb used the handle "MangoMilk" on EncroChat to organise the supply of cannabis and cocaine. The network was taken down by international law enforcement in 2020, leading to numerous arrests. Messages over an eight-day period showed he was involved in supplying 3kg of cocaine and 5kg of cannabis.
Prosecutor Stella Hayden said McNabb was "a clear established user of Encrochat, with 54 stored contacts." Data indicated he had used the platform since 2019, with notes suggesting he earned around £34,500. Messages showed he sourced wholesale cocaine and sold it in small amounts.
Arrest and seizure
Further messages discussed transferring £20,000 to the United Arab Emirates and packets of cannabis for onward supply. McNabb revealed his identity on the platform by sending pictures of his address and a view from his living room window, and was saved as "Big P" by other users.
On July 7 this year, McNabb was pulled over in his grey Volkswagen van on Bridge Road, Roby. Officers recovered four large "bags for life" containing 38 blocks of white powder, later confirmed as 38kg of high-purity cocaine with a wholesale value of £170,000-£240,000. A search of his home on Queensbury Grove found counterfeit watches, £1,950 cash, and weighing scales with traces of white powder.
Sentencing
McNabb pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, being concerned in the supply of class B drugs, and possession with intent to supply cocaine. His defence counsel, Michael O'Brien, described him as "a trusted courier for very large amounts of class A drugs" and noted his remorse and the impact on his eight-year-old son.
Judge David Swinnerton acknowledged the references but said defendants in EncroChat cases often provide good references because they profit from drug sales. Sentencing McNabb, he said: "I do accept that while people who deal in drugs seem to have a lot of time to spend with their family, you genuinely love your family and your child, and it's the case that they will suffer from your incarceration."
