International Escape Ends in Extradition
A Liverpool-based drug and firearms trafficker who fled to Portugal in an attempt to evade justice has been jailed for 19 years. Perry Culshaw, 31, used the encrypted messaging platform EncroChat to deal in large-scale drug supply and obtain an arsenal of deadly weapons.
When EncroChat was infiltrated by French police in 2020, Culshaw escaped to Europe, but after realising he had no further chance of escape, he effectively surrendered and was extradited back to the UK following 23 days in custody abroad.
Firearms and Drug Trade Exposed
Liverpool Crown Court heard that Culshaw conspired with criminals Darren Herlihy and Mark Nolan to supply weapons and distribute significant amounts of heroin, cocaine, and cannabis. Investigators found messages on EncroChat that revealed the trio’s involvement in supplying:
- 2kg of heroin
- 136kg of cannabis
- 22.5kg of cocaine
- 57kg of cannabis
- 3kg of heroin
The operation also uncovered purchases of a Tec-9 automatic pistol, a Star 9 pistol, and a Walther PPK, along with hundreds of rounds of ammunition, which were then supplied to other criminals.
A Criminal Empire Brought Down
Culshaw and his co-conspirators were caught as part of a major National Crime Agency operation targeting serious organised crime. Nolan, described as a broker for the weapons trade, facilitated firearm sales, while Herlihy handled distribution.
Nolan has already been sentenced to 20 years, while Herlihy received 12 years in prison.
Culshaw’s Background and Defence Plea
Paul Becker, defending, told the court that Culshaw had endured a troubled childhood, growing up with heroin-addicted parents and suffering a traumatic kidnapping by his uncle at the age of 13. Becker argued that this upbringing had set him on a path to crime but stated that Culshaw was remorseful for his actions.
He told the court, “He expresses his remorse to the court. He knows the impact of class A drugs and firearms. He knows he has done wrong and knows what the sentence is going to be today.”
Despite the plea, Culshaw appeared in the dock wearing a grey Under Armour tracksuit, shaking his head as the judge handed down the lengthy sentence.
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Judge’s Condemnation
Sentencing Culshaw, Judge Simon Medland KC made it clear that his crimes had contributed to devastating violence in the community.
“Your trade, your way of life, your source of income, and your business at that time was as an upscale drug dealer. You were prepared to consider the sourcing, so as to have available if necessary, deadly firearms.”
“Drugs destroy lives. There is barely a week that passes where that is not plain to me. They corrode society, break up families, and cause utter devastation, particularly in deprived communities.”
The judge also emphasised the danger that came with dealing in weapons. “This city and this region have suffered all too often the devastation caused by the use of deadly weapons by serious organised criminals such as you.”
Culshaw’s attempts to flee justice were also noted, with Judge Medland adding, “You believed yourself to be invincible and communicated with frankness of the trade you were in. You escaped to Portugal but effectively surrendered yourself once you knew that you had no chance of further escape.”
With the lengthy prison term now in place, police and prosecutors say another dangerous criminal has been removed from the streets.
