Drugs Kingpin Sentenced to 12 Years After EncroChat Police Sting
A major drugs kingpin, who laundered over £6 million and supplied vast quantities of illegal substances across London, has been jailed following a sophisticated international police operation that intercepted his encrypted communications.
Samuel De Vere-Hunt, aged 30, was sentenced to 12 years in prison at Kingston Crown Court on Friday, after pleading guilty to 12 counts of supplying drugs and possessing criminal property. The court heard how he operated a large-scale criminal enterprise, moving hundreds of kilos of MDMA, ketamine, and cannabis onto the streets of the capital.
EncroChat Messages Exposed Criminal Network
Detectives painstakingly analysed thousands of messages exchanged between De Vere-Hunt and his associates on EncroChat, a telecoms system once believed by criminals to be secure. However, police across Europe exploited weaknesses in the platform, leading to the identification and prosecution of hundreds of offenders, including De Vere-Hunt.
Using the handles ‘Modernfeet’ and ‘Immaculatetractor’ on EncroChat, De Vere-Hunt was observed coordinating the movement of millions of pounds in cash and multi-kilo shipments of ketamine and cannabis for distribution in London.
Lavish Lifestyle Concealed in Essex Village
Despite his illicit activities, De Vere-Hunt maintained a facade of normality, living an affluent life with his girlfriend, Rosie Wise, 25, in a secret location in Kelvedon Hatch, a quaint Essex village. Police uncovered his hideout through digital footprints, including takeaway deliveries to the address, which was situated on a street where average property prices exceed £2 million.
Rosie Wise received a suspended 21-month prison sentence for her role as an accomplice in supplying drugs and possessing criminal property.
Major Haul of Drugs and Cash Seized in Raid
Officers raided De Vere-Hunt's home on January 9, 2025, as he was preparing to flee the UK. The search yielded a substantial cache, including:
- 15kg of ketamine
- 12kg of cannabis
- Over 6kg of Class A drugs, primarily MDMA
- More than £179,000 in cash seized from the property
De Vere-Hunt was arrested while leaving his address carrying two boxes containing £160,000 in criminal cash in a carrier bag.
Extensive Criminal Activity Uncovered
Analysis of his phone messages revealed that between September 2024 and January 2025, De Vere-Hunt had moved £2.8 million in cash and supplied over a quarter of a tonne of ketamine and cannabis, with a street value estimated at £6 million.
Police Hail Data-Led Approach to Tackling Organised Crime
PC Bob Rosie, who led the Metropolitan Police operation, emphasised the meticulous detective work involved in tracking down De Vere-Hunt, who used multiple code names and aliases. He stated:
‘Investigating De Vere-Hunt was like finding a needle in a haystack. He has been brought to justice today thanks to thorough detective work which was able to identify him as the owner of two Encrochat handles. This ultimately led us to his house in Essex where he had over 33kg of Class A and B drugs.’
PC Rosie added that dismantling such networks directly reduces serious violence and exploitation linked to drug supply in London, noting that the Met reported a 63% rise in seizures and prosecutions related to organised crime groups last year.
This case underscores the Met's relentless, data-driven strategy to combat organised crime, sending a clear message that offenders will be identified, tracked, and prosecuted to enhance public safety in the capital.
