A Norfolk man involved with a gang using an encrypted messaging system to deal drugs has been jailed for 14 years.

Thomas Ives, 32, was described as a "fool" by a judge for getting involved in the conspiracy to supply cocaine between May 1, 2020, and October 8, 2020.

Ives, of Lower Farm Road, East Winch, was jailed after a trial which followed a probe by the French authorities into an organised crime group which had been using Encrochat software to assist with wholesale drugs supply.

The investigation uncovered a wealth of data including text messages sent between criminals in the UK.

The conversations contained discussions about the wholesale supply of cocaine as well as photographs of kilo blocks of a white substance. 

This information was passed to Norfolk Constabulary as reference had been made to a King's Lynn postcode. 

The message had been sent from a device which was later attributed to Ives.

Eastern Daily Press: Police Willow and her handler PC David Carter search a house in East Winch during a police operation looking into money laundering and drugs crime. Police Willow and her handler PC David Carter search a house in East Winch during a police operation looking into money laundering and drugs crime. (Image: Denise Bradley)

He was arrested at his home address on October 8, 2020, following a series of warrants in the King's Lynn area.

A number of properties were searched as a part of a wider operation being run by the National Crime Agency under the Operation Venetic banner.

Officers, accompanied by police dogs, raided 10 homes and businesses simultaneously which resulted in several arrests for money laundering and suspicion of drug dealing. 

Eastern Daily Press: A Porsche was seized by police during the raids in East WinchA Porsche was seized by police during the raids in East Winch (Image: Denise Bradley)

Ives was found guilty of conspiracy to supply a drug of class A on Thursday (November 24) after a trial at Norwich Crown Court. 

Jailing Ives, Judge Andrew Shaw said he had not only been a fool for getting involved in the offence but was also a fool for "refusing to plead guilty in the face of the most overwhelming evidence".

Judge Shaw said Ives' attempts to "pull the wool over this jury's eyes" were "embarrassing".

Eastern Daily Press: Police dog Willow finds foreign cash during a police operation in East Winch.Police dog Willow finds foreign cash during a police operation in East Winch. (Image: Denise Bradley)

He said: "You must've thought they came down in the last shower".

Judge Shaw said only a sentence of immediate imprisonment could be justified.

Speaking after the case, Superintendent Wes Hornigold said: “This result will have a significant impact on the operation of drugs lines in Norfolk, disturbing offenders who try to trade drugs within King's Lynn and the wider county and preventing future offences.”