Jamie Cassidy, a former Liverpool FC youth star, has been sentenced to over 13 years in prison for his role in orchestrating one of the UK's largest cocaine distribution networks. Cassidy admitted to distributing massive quantities of cocaine that were imported from South America into Europe.

The operation was primarily led by Jamie Cassidy's older brother, Jonathan Cassidy, and his partner Nasar Ahmed. They managed to transport approximately 356 kilos of cocaine valued at £26 million using modified vehicles. The drugs were distributed across the UK by Jamie Cassidy through a network of couriers.

Sentenced alongside Jamie was his brother Jonathan and Nasar Ahmed. They were given sentences of over 21 years each. The trio used encrypted EncroChat devices to coordinate their illegal activities across various UK cities, including Liverpool, Manchester, and Glasgow.

Prosecutors revealed that Jamie Cassidy played a managerial role, following his brother's instructions, while Ahmed facilitated the financial aspects of the operation. The network moved up to £10 million in cash over three months.

The law enforcement succeeded in dismantling this network after cracking the encrypted communications system in June 2020. The operation highlighted the sophistication of their criminal enterprise.

Judge Nicholas Dean KC described the operation as sophisticated but dismissed Jonathan's self-comparison to the notorious drug lord El Chapo as exaggerated. The court case underscores the impact of technology in facilitating and eventually dismantling criminal activities.