A sophisticated drug empire operating under the guise of a skip hire business in Wigan has been dismantled, resulting in four men being sentenced to over 40 years in prison. The group, led by Christopher Boylan, Paul Connelly, Christopher Dean, and Cameron Ruddy, was brought down after becoming complacent with their encrypted communications on EncroChat.
Luxury Lifestyle Funded by Crime
Operating from a skip yard on Wigan Wallgate, the gang facilitated the large-scale distribution of cocaine across the North West. Skip wagons were used to transport cash and drugs, with vast sums of money hidden in shoeboxes and sent abroad. Police investigations revealed that the men enjoyed lavish lifestyles, owning high-end cars, designer clothing, and expensive jewelry, all funded by drug profits.
The Investigation
The group’s downfall began when international law enforcement successfully infiltrated EncroChat in 2020. Despite its supposed security, gang members used the platform to share personal details, including flight records, social media handles, and even family information. This recklessness provided detectives with key evidence to link them to the drug operation.
Christopher Dean, 35, did not even use EncroChat, instead conducting his illegal business via a standard mobile phone. However, his close coordination with Connelly, who used the handle ‘wordyjay,’ helped police build a strong case. Connelly’s messages contained intimate details, including the birth and weight of his daughter, ultimately leading to his identification.
Boylan, 39, known as ‘impulsivehound,’ owned the skip hire company and orchestrated large drug shipments, at times ordering up to five kilograms of cocaine. His messages also included links to his personal Snapchat account and email, further incriminating him.
Ruddy, 31, played a crucial role in handling drug orders and cash transfers. Operating under the handles ‘apetoast’ and ‘unrealcafe,’ he coordinated large transactions, including a single 15-kilogram cocaine deal worth over half a million pounds. He even provided his vehicle registration and a nearby postcode to a courier over EncroChat, which was later traced to him.
The Raid and Sentencing
On May 19, 2022, police executed ten warrants at addresses linked to the gang, resulting in ten arrests. Raids uncovered significant amounts of cocaine, ketamine, ecstasy, and MDMA, along with drug paraphernalia, luxury goods, and approximately £40,000 in cash. The evidence cemented the gang’s role in the illegal drug trade.
Detective Inspector Carla Deighton from Greater Manchester Police’s Wigan division stated:
“On the surface, this appeared to be a sophisticated operation. They were able to orchestrate the sale and transfer of large volumes of cash and drugs across the North West. However, these men got too comfortable with their encrypted phones. By sharing personal details, they essentially led us to their doors.”
She emphasized the significant damage caused by the gang’s actions, stating that their wealth was built at the expense of the local community and vulnerable drug users.
Sentences
The four men received the following prison terms:
- Christopher Dean, 35, of Warrington Road, Wigan: 12 years and 9 months for conspiracy to supply cocaine.
- Paul Connelly, 35, of Warminster Grove, Winstanley: 12 years and 9 months for conspiracy to supply cocaine, possession with intent to supply, and possession of criminal property.
- Christopher Boylan, 39, of Keswick Place, Higher Ince: 11 years and 3 months for conspiracy to supply cocaine and possession of criminal property.
- Cameron Ruddy, 31, of Great Acre, Wigan: 6 years for conspiracy to supply cocaine.
The case highlights the increasing vulnerability of criminal organizations relying on encrypted communications and serves as a stark warning that no amount of digital secrecy can fully protect those engaged in illegal activities.
