Richard Weild, 39, from Wallasey, Merseyside, was a cocaine kingpin who adulterated multi-kilo cocaine deals and stamped blocks with fake ‘brand’ labels to deceive rivals and customers. His criminal activities spanned nationwide, impacting communities across the UK.
Weild flaunted a flashy lifestyle, owning clothes and watches valued at around £70,000. Operating under the EncroChat alias ‘Blacklable’, he used encrypted messages to coordinate with over 50 gang contacts, including some international connections. His drug supply network covered the North West and extended as far as Plymouth and Southampton.
To avoid detection during lockdown road checks, Weild helped gangs transport drugs disguised as Highways Maintenance and removals trucks. This tactic was part of his sophisticated criminal operations.
When UK authorities cracked the EncroChat system in 2020 during Operation Venetic, Weild’s messages provided critical evidence for the National Crime Agency (NCA). Between March and June 2020, he adulterated at least 62 kilos of cocaine for Organised Crime Groups (OCGs) at £1,500 per kilo. Since mid-2019, he supplied thousands of kilos of cocaine, heroin, and cannabis, generating approximately £1 million in profits.
Weild also directed couriers to move nearly £800,000 in cash across the UK within a short period. He maintained a façade as a legitimate businessman by running the Gas Works Motor Company in Wavertree, Liverpool.
“Richard Weild was well-connected and viewed by OCGs as a real asset,” said Mick Maloney, NCA senior manager. “He made vast amounts of money by happily playing a role in an illegal trade that kills people and destroys lives and communities. He’s going to spend a long time in prison — far from his flashy lifestyle.”
Police seized 20 kilos of Class A and B drugs from a safe house in Knotty Ash operated by Weild’s assistant John Morris, 50, who received a 10-year jail sentence. Judge David Aubrey KC condemned Weild for running a “highly sophisticated serious organised crime group” dealing in “huge” quantities of drugs. The judge added that Weild was “leading the good life at the expense of others” through his “trade of misery and destruction.”
Despite several legal challenges including changes of barristers, Weild pleaded guilty in January 2022 at Liverpool Crown Court to conspiracy to supply cocaine, heroin, MDMA, 2-CB, cannabis, and transferring criminal property.
Some of Weild’s intercepted messages revealed his mindset, including statements such as: “If I carry on making tops for people an get this weed parcel again I’ll have life-changing money,” and “The money’s coming in thick and fast, got an easy life.” He also claimed, “I can make 30k a week sometimes with no hassle,” and “Been making 4 to 5 EV week 7500 cash. For one group … I can get you any stamp you need.”
A Proceeds of Crime Act investigation is ongoing to seize Weild’s illicit assets. His luxurious lifestyle of designer watches and luxury cars has now ended behind bars, marking the cost of his role in distributing drugs and causing harm on the streets.
Originally published by UKNIP.
