A drug supplier accused of running a commercial-scale operation has been jailed for nine years and nine months, after officers found drugs, cash and luxury items at his Liverpool home. The National Crime Agency and Merseyside Police arrested Josh Smith, 29, on 24 February 2026 following an investigation by the Merseyside Organised Crime Partnership (OCP), a joint team set up to tackle serious and organised crime. Officers said they discovered bags of cocaine, MDMA and ketamine scattered around Smith’s house. They also recovered £81,000 in cash, with most of it found in a hallway cupboard. Prosecutors said the money was tied to the alleged drug enterprise. Police further found designer goods worth more than £100,000, including Christian Dior and Chanel clothing, and Louis Vuitton, Loro Piana and Givenchy shoes. Officers said Smith bought the items using money linked to drugs. The OCP investigation began after an international law enforcement operation targeting EncroChat, an encrypted phone service used by criminals. Investigators reviewed thousands of anonymised messages sent by a user using the handle “Frostyfirm”. They said the messages showed arrangements for supplies of cocaine, heroin and cannabis resin with other EncroChat users. The OCP said Smith’s EncroChat messages indicated he supplied 8 kilograms of cocaine, 6 kilograms of heroin and 24 kilograms of cannabis. Officers also said messages included cash and drugs pictures and discussions about avoiding police during deliveries. When officers arrested Smith, they found an iPhone with further messages arranging drug deals, along with 22g of cocaine and MDMA and ketamine. Officers said the drugs recovered indicated supplies worth around £500,000 in total. Smith pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court earlier this year to conspiracy to supply cocaine, heroin, cannabis resin, MDMA and ketamine, and to possession of criminal property connected to the cash and designer goods. He was sentenced on 18 September. The case was publicised by the National Crime Agency.