EncroChat drug dealer who moved 30kgs of cocaine dies in prison as probe launched

dailyrecord.co.uk:

An EncroChat dealer who used the name “Diorpaw” has died behind bars.John Digweed, of Harlech Road in Crosby, died at HMP Garth in Lancashire today, April 13, the Prison Service confirmed.The “proud dad” was serving a 25-year prison sentence for supplying vast amounts of cocaine and heroin.The Liverpool Echo reports an investigation into the 35-year-old’s death has begun.Digweed was sentenced in 2022 after he was unmasked as a drug dealer who moved 40 kilos of class A drugs using the name “Diorpaw” on EncroChat, an encrypted communications network which operated as a “WhatsApp for criminals”.Today a Prison Service spokesperson said in a statement: “John Digweed died at HMP Garth on April 13 and our thoughts are his family and friends.

As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate.”It is understood his next of kin have been informed.

Digweed used EncroChat to organise the supply of cocaine and heroin during the spring of 2020.He tried to deny he was behind the handle “DiorPaw” but a jury saw through his lies, the Echo reported.A judge told Digweed his messages about his children played a significant role in police being able to identify him.

Henry Riding, prosecuting, told Liverpool Crown Court Digweed was convicted of conspiracy to supply a range of Class A and Class B drugs including cocaine, heroin, amphetamine, ketamine, cannabis and ecstasy.He said Digweed mainly appeared to trade drugs to other dealers in Devon and Cornwall, though other locations across Britain were mentioned in his messages to other criminals.