An investigation by the Metropolitan Police and the National Crime Agency has "smashed" an organised crime group that was supplying the UK with cocaine.
The investigation revealed that Redon Bushi , 32, was the "head" of the drug trafficking ring and over the years had 'contracted' numerous importers and couriers to work with him.
He was sentenced to 24 years and 10 months in prison for several criminal offenses. His role in the group was fully revealed through messages on the encrypted application "EncroChat", but the group also communicated on "Signal".
The messages revealed that Bush had brought into England at least 832 kg of cocaine, with a market value of up to £81,640,000.
The drugs were distributed throughout London and across the United Kingdom.
According to foreign media, detectives discovered that Bush was using Encrochat under the name 'Sealvermouth'. With his messages, he shared his affairs with everyone.
Drug couriers were only given zip codes, schedules, and a brief description of the person seeking the narcotics.
Thus, the lines of communication were also discovered. By checking security cameras for hours, investigators managed to understand the inner workings of the criminal operation and managed to stop one of the vehicles belonging to Bush's couriers, Ahmad Jabarkhill.
£700,000 was found inside the vehicle he was driving. Three other Bush couriers, Arlin Sida, Luke Ferguson and Kelvin Hoxha, were also arrested.
In addition to the conversations, fake ID cards and a camera installed in the place where the drugs were stored so that they could be monitored remotely were also found.
Luke Ferguson, another member of the group, was arrested after 72kg of cocaine worth £6.24m was found at his home in Brentford.
Having noticed that members of his group were being beaten, he stayed in a series of hotels to avoid police officers, bought a new phone, clothes and carried a lot of cash with him to use in any case. However, he could not escape the handcuffs.
The entire group was sentenced to a total of 68 years in prison. Ahmad Jabarkhill was sentenced to 2 years and 3 months in prison; Arlin Sida to 12 years and 9 months in prison; Kelvin Hoxha to 11 years and 8 months in prison, and Luke Ferguson to 14 years and 5 months.
The maximum sentence was reserved for Bush, who must spend 24 years in prison.