A drug dealing dad was brought down after revealing too much about his personal life on EncroChat.
Lee McKune appeared before Liverpool Crown Court after being busted for his leading role in a major conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin. The 35-year-old, known as Zone Pizza, was linked to the online handle after investigators found clues about his personal life he had mentioned on the platform.
McKune worked alongside two other handles, Full Flock and Fox Hedge, in a sophisticated operation moving almost 100kg of Class A drugs. Messages between McKune and his network outlined specific emblems for shipments. He was arrested at Amsterdam Airport, days before Christmas, after fleeing the country.
McKune received a sentence of 12 years and three months, with a Proceeds of Crime hearing scheduled later in the year.
Prosecutor Matthew Conway highlighted the defendant’s significant role in the conspiracy, noting his operational knowledge and promises of more work to those assisting in drug supply.
Defending McKune, Sam Parham sought a further reduction to his client’s sentence, citing his limited understanding due to reading difficulties. Recorder Kenderik Horne disagreed, emphasizing McKune’s active participation in the criminal enterprise.
