A cocaine supplier has been jailed for nine years after a heavily-encrypted messaging service he used to conduct deals was cracked by police.

Lee Prescott, from Greenhithe, arranged to purchase kilogram blocks of the class A drug using the illegal EncroChat mobile phone platform, unaware the software had been cracked by international law enforcement agencies.

Police were provided with messages showing that between April and the end of May 2020, Prescott had agreed to buy 6kg of cocaine in addition to 20kg of cannabis.

They also proved that Prescott, using the name ‘Jungle Painter’, was a key member of a drug supply network and would regularly discuss the cost and quality of illegal substances.

On two occasions he was found to have collected kilogram blocks of cocaine in person, once from a location in West Kingsdown and another from South Darenth.

Prescott, 35, was arrested at his home in Knockhall Road in March when officers also discovered an extendable baton and a knuckleduster during a search.

He was later charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis and possession of offensive weapons and pleaded guilty to all offences

Prescott was jailed for nine years today at Woolwich Crown Court (July 14).

Investigating officer Detective Constable Martin Lacey, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “Lee Prescott and other criminals like him thought they could freely discuss the sale of class A drugs, oblivious that the platform they were using had been compromised and their illegal activities were being monitored.

“Thanks to the intervention of our law enforcement partners abroad, we were able to investigate and confirm the identity of ‘Jungle Painter’ and ensure Prescott was brought to justice.

“Drugs ruin lives and there is no place in Kent for anyone who seeks to benefit financially from the misery of others.”