A Dundee man has been jailed for eight years after being snared in an encrypted phone sting that uncovered cannabis disguised as a Wonka chocolate bar.
Aaron Bradford, 35, was captured as part of crime-busting EncroChat probe Operation Venetic.
Bradford is the first person in Scotland to be convicted following a trial as part of the operation, which stems from data retrieved by French and Dutch agencies after they infiltrated the communication network favoured by criminals.
Bradford adopted the username “Elpazzo” and discussed the supply of drugs, including cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis, between March and June 2020.
In one conversation he forwarded a picture of cocaine, while another chat centred on how a single drug deal had earned him £17,000.
Images released by the Crown Office show a cannabis pack disguised to look like a Wonka chocolate bar, cocaine, and a small plastic tub full of money.
Officers later identified “Elpazzo” as Bradford through vet and taxi booking records.
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A raid on his home in June 2020 uncovered a haul of drug paraphernalia, including a blender, a hydraulic press, and digital scales that contained trace amounts of cocaine and benzocaine.
Police also found a named list that showed outstanding debts and drug deal amounts.
Judge Andrew Miller stated Bradford played a “significant” role in the drugs operation but said there was no evidence at trial to suggest he “enjoyed an extravagant lifestyle”.
The judge said: “These are very serious offences because of the harm which the supply of controlled drugs, particularly Class A drugs such as cocaine, causes to individuals, families and communities.”
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The judge noted that Bradford continues to deny any wrongdoing.
Bradford was found guilty of being involved in serious organised crime and being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs following a trial at the High Court in Dundee in February.
He was sentenced to eight years behind bars at the High Court in Aberdeen on Wednesday.
Confiscation proceedings have begun, and a hearing will take place at the High Court in Edinburgh on 24 June.
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Sineidin Corrins, deputy procurator fiscal for specialist casework at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), said: “This was a coordinated effort to release a sizeable quantity of drugs into Dundee.
“But now, thanks to the efforts of Police Scotland and COPFS, this individual faces a lengthy prison sentence.
“We will continue to target all those who threaten communities across Scotland, not only drug couriers but also those who direct their movements.
“With each case of this kind we can help reduce the harm these drugs inflict on those communities.
“COPFS will continue working with the police and other agencies as a member of Scotland’s Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce to ensure that these crimes are detected and those responsible prosecuted using all measures at our disposal.”
