"his messages provided a valuable insight into his nefarious operation"
A “show-off” drug dealer led police to his front door after sending images of his flashy Manchester high-rise flat.
Between April and May 2020, Shaqeel Ditta was conspiring with others using Encrochat – dubbed a “WhatsApp for criminals” – to supply Class A drugs.
Throughout this time scale, Ditta was on license for previous drug offences.
At the centre of the investigation was the use of encrypted mobile phones, which falls under Operation Venetic.
Operation Venetic was a National Crime Agency (NCA) led operation which disrupted the encrypted communication system, Encrochat.
These devices were primarily used by criminals to coordinate and plan criminal activities.
After receiving a referral from the NCA, detectives launched an investigation to trace who was behind the anonymous handle ‘lovablecrab’.
This eventually led officers to Ditta, whose messages showed him arranging and facilitating the sale of large quantities of cocaine.
Ditta would often source the drugs and then sell them on to buyers immediately without ever having to come into contact with the drugs himself.
Messages showed prices over £40,000 per kilo, indicating Ditta was making lots of money.
Ditta enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, using the money on luxury shopping trips.
The drug dealer made it easy for police to find him after sending images of his high-rise balcony view.
On March 14, 2024, police executed a warrant at his city-centre flat and Ditta was arrested in his bed.
Officers were able to compare the photo to the identical view in front of them.
During a search of his apartment, police seized almost £50,000 worth of designer clothes along with an extra large money jar full of cash and coins, estimated to be around £3,000.
After pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, Ditta was jailed for eight years.
PC Natalie Fairhurst from our Serious Organised Crime Group said:
“Ditta felt he could let his guard down when using his Encrophone, confident that he could operate with impunity to move large quantities of harmful substances across Greater Manchester and further afield.
“However, his messages provided a valuable insight into his nefarious operation and Ditta was left with little choice but to plead guilty to his crimes when presented with overwhelming evidence supported by his own incriminating messages.
“Whilst Ditta contemplates his actions over the next several years from the confines of his cell, we remain committed to relentlessly pursuing those involved in drug supply and organised crime across Greater Manchester.”
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