Andrew Brennan and Brothers Jailed for £5million Tobacco Smuggling Operation

Andrew Brennan, an EncroChat user, orchestrated a scheme to smuggle illegal cigarettes worth over £5 million into the UK, concealing them within a pasta shipment. He was recorded threatening a customer, saying, "I'll chin you and shoot your boss if you f*** us about".

Brennan collaborated with brothers Peter and Paul Wilson, who were involved in extensive drug and cigarette trafficking. Peter was caught attempting to import cocaine from the Netherlands, with his spouse expressing disappointment as he faced further prison time.

During a hearing at Liverpool Crown Court, it was disclosed that Brennan, using the alias "Special Mask," was responsible for transporting £5,203,993 worth of illegal cigarettes and £187,000 worth of cocaine. Peter Wilson, under the alias "Lesser Park", was engaged in negotiations for £1,200,753.82 worth of tobacco and £675,000 worth of cocaine.

Paul Wilson, known as "Big Sh**ger", was implicated in distributing £2,721,729.35 in illegal cigarettes and £375,000 worth of cocaine alongside 1,000 ecstasy pills.

Prosecutor Megan Cox explained how the trio sourced their goods from multiple countries before French police infiltrated their network in 2020. On March 28, Brennan and Paul discussed hiding illegal cigarettes within a shipment of pasta.

Brennan provided details about his tobacco sources on April 7, asserting that the Mayfair and Chesterfield cigarettes he smuggled were "very good copies". He also plotted to create counterfeit products by procuring fake packaging from China.

Additionally, Brennan had discussions with a contact named "Sunny Buck", threatening violence over business disputes. Peter Wilson was also documented planning to import cocaine, discussing warehouses and distribution with fellow conspirators.

Brennan was arrested on March 13 last year on Bank Hall Street in Kirkdale, while Peter Wilson was apprehended at his home in Widnes that same day. Paul Wilson was arrested a few days later while incarcerated at HMP Risley.

Forty-three-year-old Brennan, residing in Cavendish Mews, Drighlington, West Yorkshire, had one previous conviction for driving while disqualified. His defense counsel noted his family's difficult circumstances, but recognized that Brennan's actions led to their situation.

Peter Wilson had four prior convictions, including conspiracy to supply class A drugs. Defense attorney Ian Whitehurst highlighted the positive character references presented, portraying Wilson as a previously hard-working individual who faced economic difficulties.

Paul Wilson had a lengthy criminal history with 11 previous convictions for 19 offences. His defense emphasized his remorse and the family strain caused by his actions. Both he and Peter Wilson acknowledged their past offenses as historic.

Brennan pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and thwarting tobacco importation laws, receiving an eight-year prison sentence. Peter Wilson was sentenced to 10 years and eight months for similar charges, while Paul Wilson received a nine-year sentence.

Judge Charlotte Crangle highlighted the gravity of their crimes, stating, "You all made a deliberate choice to become involved in serious criminality at a high level. You cared not for the destruction caused by your actions." She addressed Brennan's family ties but ultimately pointed out that they did not safeguard him against the consequences of his criminal behavior.