Chester man jailed for 12 years for multi-kilo drug supply

Wednesday, 12 May 2021 16:41

A man in Chester has been jailed for 12 years for the multi-kilo supply of class A and class B drugs.

Christian ‘Johnny’ Minshull, previously of Saddlery Way, used the EncroChat communications network to discuss with other criminals the supply of cocaine, heroin and amphetamine in the Chester area and beyond.

The 31-year-old was caught by detectives from the Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) who monitored and analysed the messages he was sending under the handle ‘Gunsmokeboss’.

From 9 April 2020 to 12 June 2020 Minshull spoke to his associates about receiving or arranging for multiple deliveries of cocaine, heroin and amphetamine and the onward distribution of the drugs.

On Tuesday 23 February a warrant was executed at Minshull’s home address on Saddlery Way.

He was found by police in the bathroom with a number of suitcases packed in the bedroom and due to leave the country imminently to travel to Thailand.

After he was arrested and taken into custody for questioning his home was searched and a large amount of high value designer items were seized along with drug paraphernalia including equipment to press controlled drugs.

Minshull was sentenced on Tuesday 11 May at Chester Crown Court after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, heroin and amphetamine.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Evans, from the Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “We have been relentless in pursuing those who have so far been identified as using the secretive encrypted device in order to commit organised crime, and this will continue.

“Minshull, like many criminals, believed EncroChat would always be a safe and secure service to message freely and openly without being detected.

“He reaped the rewards of his criminality but it was always going to catch up with him. Thanks to the work undertaken by law enforcement to take down the platform and the work of detectives who the analysed the messages he is now behind bars.”

Pictured - Christian ‘Johnny’ Minshull, previously of Saddlery Way.

More from Local News

Severn Trent teams will be hard at work all through Christmas

Severn Trent will be working 24/7 over the holidays to fix any issues, help customers so we can ‘weather the winter together’.
Lord Mayor of Chester sends condolences to Mayor of Magdeburg following Christmas markets attack

The Lord Mayor of Chester has written to express condolences on behalf of the city following the attack at a German Christmas market on Friday, 20th December.
Sankofa Songsters Enjoy TV Debut with Royal Family

An intergenerational choir based at a care village in the heart of Chester has been catapulted into the national limelight after its caring community spirit resulted in an invitation to Westminster Abbey to perform, by royal request, at ITV's Royal Carols: Together at Christmas concert.
Ellesmere Port Gym Owner Completes 12 Marathons in 12 Days to Raise Over £2,500 for Disabled Children

Pete Howell, owner of Prime Health and Fitness in Ellesmere Port, has accomplished an extraordinary charity feat, completing 12 marathons in 12 consecutive days to raise more than £2,500 for the Children Today Charitable Trust.
Chart history-making success for charity Christmas single by Chester University musicians

Video

A charity Christmas single created by University of Chester staff, students and recent graduates has entered one of the biggest club charts in the UK, breaking a near-to nine year record for a festive song in the hit list.
Blues Match Report: Chester FC 1 - 1 King’s Lynn Town

Video

Chester FC were held to a point at the Deva Stadium by a resilient King’s Lynn Town side this afternoon.
Christmas Present Safety Advice: e-scooters

For anyone who has bought an e-scooter as a present this year, here's some helpful information surrounding the law on their use...
Cheshire Museum of Policing awarded £8.3k donation by Chief Constable

The Museum of Policing, which preserves and researches the heritage of policing in Cheshire, is set to receive a £8,300 donation as part of an initiative to support worthwhile county-based charities and organisations.
Review of the safety measures close to the King’s School on Wrexham Road

Cheshire West and Chester Council continues to extend their condolences to the family and friends of Evan Rothwell following the tragic incident on 12th November.
Blues Match Preview: Chester FC v King’s Lynn Town

After almost a month away from CH1, Chester FC return to the Deva Stadium as they host King’s Lynn Town.
Chester Drugs gang jailed for almost 12 years

Three men who were part of a county lines drugs gang which operated in Chester and Rhyl have been sentenced to almost 12 years in prison.
Constabulary donates £8,300 to Cheshire veterans’ charities

A locally-active veteran’s charity has been awarded £8,300 as part of the Cheshire Constabulary in the Community Christmas initiative in recognition of their work in supporting former service personnel after they return to civilian life.
Council recognises community spirited residents and sports personalities

Several community-spirited residents and local sports personalities have been awarded the title of Honorary Freeman by Cheshire West and Chester Council.
Government to buy back 200 military homes in Chester North and Neston

Chester MP, Samantha Dixon, has welcomed a Government announcement to buy back 200 military homes in Chester North and Neston in landmark deal to improve housing for forces families.
Further details for City Walls repairs now available on-line

Cheshire West and Chester Council has updated the dedicated City Walls webpage on its website, with information relating to the repairs to the collapsed section.
Rape and Sexual Assault Support Centre to receive £10,000 donation to support sexual assault victims

Cheshire and Merseyside’s Rape and Sexual Assault Support Centre (RASASC) has received a £10k donation from Cheshire Constabulary as part of a week-long Christmas initiative fronted by Chief Constable Mark Roberts.
Mental health support over the festive season

A local mental health NHS Trust are encouraging people to take care of each other and access support when needed during this festive period.
Devolution - Joint Statement

Following the government's White Paper on devolution, a joint statement has been issued from the leaders of the region’s three councils.
Jingle into January with free travel on Chester’s Park & Ride

Cheshire West and Chester Council is banishing the winter blues for visitors to Chester by offering free travel on the city’s Park & Ride service throughout January 2025.
Changes to upholstered seating disposal at Household Waste Recycling Centres

Due to changes in Environment Agency legislation, waste upholstered domestic seating will now only be accepted at Chester, Ellesmere Port and Winsford Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs or “tips”).

Chester man jailed for 12 years for multi-kilo drug supply

More from Local News

Comments