'Scooby Doo' cocaine dealer jailed for 16 years

Edwards pleaded guilty after being identified as Encrochat user "spicy-meatballs"

A drug dealer given the nickname of a Scooby Doo character has been jailed for his role in a major cocaine and cannabis supply ring.

William Edwards was known as "Shaggy" due to his apparent likeness to the cartoon character in the children's TV programme, Merseyside Police said.

Detectives were able to identify him through pictures he sent on the EncroChat encrypted messaging app that included him, his partner, and references to the birthday and address of a family member.

The 29-year-old, of Frankby Road in Walton, Liverpool, was jailed for 16 years at Liverpool Crown Court.

He had been using the user name "Spicy-meatballs" to plan the supply of cocaine and cannabis across Merseyside between March and June 2020.

After his arrest in June, officers discovered large amounts of cocaine, heroin and about £17,000 in cash at his house.

Detectives were able to identify Edwards through selfies he took and sent on the encrypted messaging service

Edwards pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis and possession with intent to supply heroin, cocaine and MDMA, and two counts of acquiring/use/possession of criminal property.

He was prosecuted as part of Operation Venetic, an international operation targeting criminals who use Encrochat in an attempt to evade detection.

Det Insp James Boardman said: "Like many drug suppliers before him, Edwards helpfully provided a great deal of evidence on which we were able to build the case.

"Drug suppliers like Edwards have no thought to the significant harm their criminality causes within our communities, through the vulnerable people affected, to the serious violent crime which is often associated with organised crime groups."

He urged anyone with any information about storage and supply of drugs to contact the force.