Taxi driver jailed 12 years after encrypted phone messages expose drug dealing operation
- Perry Richardson
- Aug 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 11
A Merseyside taxi driver has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after detectives linked him to a major drug supply network through messages sent from an encrypted Encrochat device.
Rudi Caldwell, 37, used the Encrochat handle ‘box-bat’ to arrange the supply of cocaine, heroin and cannabis between March and June 2020. He was arrested at his home in April 2025 after police examined old messages extracted during the Europe-wide Operation Venetic investigation.
Caldwell attempted to keep his identity hidden using the secure platform but gave himself away by sending a picture of his own driveway and street, referencing one of his children by name, and discussing his work as a licensed taxi driver. These details provided detectives with enough evidence to link the messages directly to him.
Liverpool Crown Court heard that Caldwell played a leading role in the distribution of 16kg of cocaine, 2kg of heroin and 14kg of cannabis. He admitted conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs.
His conviction forms part of a wider crackdown under Operation Venetic, which has targeted criminals using encrypted communications to coordinate drug trafficking and other organised crimes.
Detective Inspector James Boardman said: “Caldwell is just the latest person to be brought to justice for their involvement in the widescale peddling of drugs on the streets of Merseyside.
“Through our investigation, we were able to identify Caldwell as being the person behind the ‘box-bat’ handle after he used the device and disclosed personal details, such as the name of his child and even sent a picture of the view of the CCTV system at his house.
"Our work will go on to target other people involved in this type of criminality.
"I would ask our communities to continue to support us in our efforts and encourage anyone who has any information about drug dealing or who is storing or using weapons in their communities to contact us so that we can take positive action."
