Full Breakdown
UK Court Addresses £11.25 million Cocaine Trafficking Operation
5/6/2026, 10:53:41 PM
Core Facts of the Case
Two men, Stephen (handle “narrowninja”) and Brown (handles “simplebull” and “castlenut”), were the defendants in a court proceeding concerning a large-scale cocaine operation. Prosecutors presented nearly 12,000 messages, photographs of kilogram blocks, unwrapping videos, and a spreadsheet that listed six-figure sums. The operation moved 125 kg of cocaine, estimated at £11.25 million (£90 per gram). Stephen’s phone also contained multiple encrypted apps and a group-chat linking the pair to additional associates, while the spreadsheet he sent to Brown repeatedly listed six-figure transaction amounts.
Background: EncroChat and Criminal Coordination
EncroChat is an encrypted phone network used by criminals. The platform facilitated the exchange of nearly 12,000 messages between Stephen, Brown and other participants, allowing them to arrange purchase, storage, adulteration and distribution of cocaine while attempting to evade detection.
Timeline
The early 2020 phase involved smaller shipments, while the 2025 phase encompassed the full 125 kg haul.
Data & Statistics
The operation involved 125 kg of cocaine, valued at £11.25 million. Approximately 12,000 EncroChat messages were exchanged. The spreadsheet listed six-figure sums. The suspects used the handles ‘narrowninja’, ‘simplebull’ and ‘castlenut’ throughout the communications. Photographs showed kilogram-size blocks, and videos captured them being unwrapped.
Official Statements & Judicial Response
The judge delivered his sentencing remarks, stating that cocaine trade creates misery, poverty and death, and calling the defendants’ motives selfish. Prosecutor Alexandria Kirk presented the £11.25 million valuation to illustrate the illicit profit.
Criticism & Opposition
The judge’s language condemns the drug trade as causing misery, poverty and death, reflecting broader concerns about community harm and economic deprivation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The source does not clarify whether the 2020 and 2025 periods represent separate investigations or a continuous operation, leaving the chronology ambiguous. The sentencing outcome, including any custodial term, is undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
Key Figures & Groups
Judge Lord Cubie presided over the case and delivered the sentencing remarks. Prosecutor Alexandria Kirk represented the Crown and presented the valuation of the cocaine. The defendants, Stephen (known as ‘narrowninja’) and Brown (known as ‘simplebull’ and ‘castlenut’), coordinated the operation via EncroChat.
Impact & Significance
The 125 kg cocaine haul, valued at £11.25 million, illustrates the scale of the illicit market. The judge’s condemnation highlights the broader social costs of drug trafficking, linking large-scale distribution to misery, poverty and death.
