A notorious Cheshire drug dealer who went by the name ‘Monstermunchman’ has been handed a lengthy jail sentence.
Jamie Joseph Veale appeared at Liverpool Crown Court earlier this week after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs, and has subsequently been handed jail time due to being found responsible for the supply of around 17kg of cocaine through an encrypted device.
Using the handle ‘Monstermunchman’, Cheshire Police explained that the 32-year-old from Widnes used EncroChat to run his large-scale conspiracy.
If you’re not familiar with EncroChat, it was a once-secretive communications network that was used exclusively by serious and organised criminals, all before it was cracked by international law enforcement back in May 2020.
Cheshire drug dealer known by the name ‘Monstermunchman’ has been jailed Credit: Cheshire Police
After the network was brought down, Cheshire Police became part of a significant operation led by the National Crime Agency, and after joining forces and working together with the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit and the Crown Prosecution Service, this eventually led to Veale being identified as a suspect.
ADVERTISEMENT
Data obtained from a three-week period between 19 May and 13 June 2020 showed Veale using EncroChat to operate as “a high-level purveyor of drugs”, according to Cheshire Police – with the 32-year-old being seen to negotiate prices for kilo amounts of class A drugs, and ultimately being found responsible for the supply of at least 17kg of cocaine.
Apparently, even though Veale had “no visible signs of income”, detectives found that he would regularly talk on EncroChat of staying in luxury villas overseas for months at a time, and going on extravagant holidays, as well as claiming to own a jet ski and a haul designer watches.
ADVERTISEMENT
On Monday 29 June 2020, Cheshire Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit
Jamie Joseph Veale from Widnes has been handed an 18 year jail sentence / Credit: Cheshire Police
After executing a warrant back in June 2020, officers raided Veale’s home and found multiple mobile devices, cash, a large amount of designer jewellery and clothing, and drug related paraphernalia – which led to him being arrested and charged with drugs supply offences.
“Despite having no job, Veale reaped the benefits of his criminal activity, owning luxury items and going on expensive trips abroad,” explained Detective Sergeant Christian Gordon.
ADVERTISEMENT
“He was responsible for the supply of a substantial amount of cocaine and ran his conspiracy through a platform he believed would keep him under the radar… [but] thanks to hard work, he is now facing a lengthy spell behind bars.”
DS Gordon admitted that although this case is now closed, Cheshire Police’s “fight against those intent on bringing illegal drugs into our communities” is still ongoing.
Featured Image – Cheshire Police
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
27th July 2023 
