Essex drugs gang member Henry Allpress caught on EncroChat

The group moved the drugs and cash through the county and London between March and July 2020. 

The investigation into the group began in 2021 as a result of information gleaned through a major operation involving the cracking of EncroChat - a bespoke encrypted global communication service used by criminals.

Cash seized (Image: Essex Police)

As a result of this information, detectives from Essex Police's serious and organised crime unit were able to identify a number of people from their EncroChat aliases who were working together, six of whom have already been sentenced to a total of more than 30 years in jail. 

They were caught discussing drugs and had been sharing images of the product. 

Henry Allpress, of Carroll Hill, Loughton, was a significant part of the group and had instructed the delivery, collection or purchase of more than 70kg of cocaine and 50kg of cannabis. 

Nicknamed ‘Comebackking’ on the chat service, police could also prove the 29-year-old was responsible for laundering about £5million in cash.

‘Combackking’ was also known on the chat to speak about driving a smart car, the same car in which Allpress was previously stopped by police on suspicion of drug driving. 

Class A drugs seized by officers (Image: Essex Police)

Allpress was subsequently arrested as he returned to Gatwick Airport from a holiday in France. 

He was questioned on suspicion of drug offences and money laundering and released on conditional bail. However, when he did not sign on for bail, further investigation found he had fled the country. 

Essex Police worked alongside the National Crime Agency to track him down and have him arrested in Spain and returned to the UK, where he was charged with conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs and money laundering. 

He admitted those offences and was sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on Monday to a total of 13 years in jail. 

Detective Inspector Frazer Low, of our serious and organised crime unit, said: “There is no doubt that this was an organised and sophisticated group which allocated roles to each of its members. But they were not operating invisibly; they were using what they believed to be a safe and encrypted messaging service and made bold boasts and brags about their work.

“They were responsible for polluting parts of Essex with illicit drugs – and with that supply will often come serious violence and exploitation.

“That’s not tolerated in Essex and we’ll pursue anyone involved in that and we’ll continue our work to take down networks such as these and ensure those intent on causing harm in our communities are put behind bars.”