A Liverpool has been jailed for more than 16 years today, Friday 10 May, for conspiracy to supply heroin, cocaine and cannabis on the streets.

Phillip Lam, 33 years, formerly of Taggart Avenue in Childwall, was sentenced to 16 years and 8 months in prison at Liverpool Crown Court.

He appeared by video link as he is currently serving a custodial sentence for card fraud offences.

At an earlier hearing Lam pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply 24kgs Class A drugs – cocaine, conspiracy to supply 6kgs of Class A – heroin, conspiracy to supply 158kgs Class B – cannabis, conspiracy to import 318kgs of cannabis and conspiracy to produce cannabis.

Lam is the latest drug dealer to be jailed in Merseyside as part of Operation Venetic – an international operation targeting criminals who used a mobile encryption service to try to evade detection.

Detectives carried out an extensive investigation and identified him as being the user of the Encrochat handle ‘wearydog’.

He was saved as ‘lammy’ by other handles, and mentioned his children by name and said his partner was celebrating a milestone birthday in September 2020.

In addition, Lam directed his associates to his nan’s address to collect drugs and referred to his impending card fraud trial, stating that he would be wanted.

Detective Sergeant James Boardman said: “Lam’s criminal activity to conspire to flood the streets with drugs was prolific – and he pleaded guilty to this.

“Our work continues to detect and arrest those involved in the sale and distribution of Class A and B drugs. I hope it send a strong message to perpetrators that we are taking action and we will bring them to justice.

“I think this sends a clear message to criminals that crime doesn’t pay – we’ll continue to be relentless in our pursuit of offenders.  

“I would ask anyone who has any information about who is supplying or selling drugs in their area to contact us so we can take action.”  

Anyone with information on suspected drug production or criminal activity in their community can contact @MerPolCC, call 101 or come forward anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.