Ashley Allen, a 32-year-old man from Enfield, has been jailed for 14 years and four months for his role in a cocaine supply operation in North London.

Allen was arrested as part of the Met’s ongoing investigation into EncroChat, an encrypted communications network used by criminals. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, conspiracy to transfer criminal property, possession of cocaine with intent to supply, and possession of a prohibited weapon.

Between March and June 2020, Allen was involved in the conspiracy to supply around 29kgs of cocaine, with an estimated street value of just over £1 million. This cocaine would likely have flooded the streets of London, causing violence and anti-social behaviour.

Allen’s arrest and conviction is a significant success for the Met in their fight against drug crime in North London. It sends a clear message to criminals that they will be caught and brought to justice.

He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, conspiracy to transfer criminal property, possession of cocaine with intent to supply, and possession of a prohibited weapon at the same court on Monday, 26 June.

Detective Constable Jess Tregear, from Specialist Crime South, said: “Allen arranged large-scale drug deals with his ultimate aim being to make as much money as possible, with no thought of the misery and devastation caused in communities by drug supply, and the violence it leads to.

“Op Eternal investigations over the last three years have resulted in the Met identifying and jailing major players in the criminal fraternity, and stemming the flow of drugs and guns onto the streets. The drugs trade relies on exploitation and violence to operate and we will continue to relentlessly pursue those involved, and put them before the courts.”

Officers began investigating the Encrochat handle ‘Rookiekiller’ in September 2020 and there was compelling evidence that allowed officers to attribute Allen to the EncroChat device, including cases when his personal and Encrochat phone were at the same location.

Many other Encrochat users had the handle ‘Rookiekiller’ saved as ‘Ash’. ‘Rookiekiller’ also referred to themselves as ‘Ash’ on many occasions also. 

There was evidence within the Encrochat device which showed that Allen had been running a very successful drug operation with many messages regarding the purchasing, supplying and transportation of Class A drugs and cash.

Allen’s address on Denny Avenue was searched on Thursday, 24 November 2022 and 400gs of cocaine, a stun gun, knuckleduster, two swords, and £1,500 of cash was seized.

He was arrested and then charged on Friday, 25 November 2022.