Doncaster drug dealer who used secret messaging platform jailed

Jamie Bermingham had been wanted in connection with drug offences following a complex National Crime Agency investigation

A "prominent Doncaster gang member and drug dealer" has been jailed for 12 years after using a secret encrypted messaging platform to supply drugs.

Jamie Bermingham, 44, used Encrochat to distribute heroin, cocaine and cannabis, Sheffield Crown Court heard.

He was jailed on Tuesday after admitting being involved in supplying the drugs at an earlier hearing.

South Yorkshire Police said his jailing would "massively impact" local organised crime operations.

"Encrypted data on his device led to Bermingham being caught for the part he played in distributing drugs via the secret network," the force said.

He had been wanted in connection with drug offences following the complex National Crime Agency investigation Operation Venetic, which worked to dismantle Encrochat in the UK.

Encrochat is an encrypted communications platform using modified mobile handsets, and is popular with organised crime groups, the force said.

'Relief now he is behind bars'

"Bermingham used the handle 'HANDYOCRA' to deal heroin, cocaine and cannabis in 2020," officers said.

"Photos from his device also showed controlled Class A and B drugs."

Insp Adrian Luscombe said: "I hope people in Edlington can share our relief knowing Bermingham is now behind bars for a very long time."

Det Sgt Chris Beaumont said: "Bermingham had long been known in and around Edlington as a prominent gang member, having previously been convicted for wounding, assault occasioning ABH, battery and facilitating the acquisition of criminal property.

"For months, if not years, Bermingham thought he was above the law, but what he didn't know was that a team of detectives were able to track his drug deals when he thought nobody was onto him."

He added: "Encrochat was supposedly unbreakable, but through Operation Venetic that platform has been infiltrated by law enforcement agencies leading to drug dealers like Bermingham being arrested and prosecuted."

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