A notorious drug dealer who attempted to evade justice by fleeing the United Kingdom to Spain and Mexico has been apprehended and subsequently sentenced to prison. Christopher Ashurst, a key player in the illicit drug trade, has been implicated in the distribution of substantial quantities of cocaine, heroin, ketamine, and cannabis, with an estimated street value reaching hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Ashurst’s capture and conviction were the result of Operation Venetic, an ongoing national campaign against organised crime. This operation gained momentum following the dismantling of Encrochat, a bespoke encrypted global communication service exclusively used by criminals. Encrochat was renowned as one of the largest providers of encrypted communication services, offering secure mobile phone instant messaging.
However, international law enforcement agencies successfully cracked the encryption used by Encrochat. In 2020, the Encrochat servers were taken offline, thanks to a collaborative investigation led by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Lancashire Constabulary. UK law enforcement agencies, including Lancashire Constabulary, have continued their relentless pursuit of individuals involved in criminal activities associated with the use of Encrochat.
Christopher Ashurst, who had previously resided in Blackburn, managed to evade authorities by relocating to Spain, where he remained on the run for three years. His evasion efforts also led him to Mexico. Ultimately, Ashurst was discovered and arrested in Amsterdam before being extradited to the United Kingdom.
On Monday, September 11, 2023, the 36-year-old drug dealer received his sentence at Preston Crown Court, where he was handed a ten-year jail term. The conviction encompassed his involvement in the supply of heroin, cocaine, ketamine, and cannabis.
Detective Sergeant Stu Peall of East Police commented on the case, stating, “Like many others who tried to hide behind Encrochat, Ashurst mistakenly thought he could traffic drugs with impunity, under the radar of the police, but how wrong he was.” Peall emphasised that even after Ashurst fled the country, law enforcement remained committed to locating and bringing him back to the UK to face justice.
Peall reiterated the determination of law enforcement to combat serious and organized criminal activity, particularly the illegal drug trade that contributes to violence and exploitation in communities. He added, “I hope this sentence sends a clear message to the public of our determination to rid communities of this sort of criminalisation and to make our streets safer.”
