Footballer Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking

Jason Pusey, a former footballer, has been sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison following revelations of his involvement in a large-scale drug trafficking operation in London. The sentencing took place on Tuesday, 2nd July at Kingston-Upon-Hull Crown Court.

The Metropolitan Police uncovered Pusey’s activities through an investigation into his use of an encrypted communication device known as Encrochat. They found evidence linking him to the distribution of £3 million worth of cocaine and cannabis, working alongside south London gangs.

Detective Constable Duncan Askew, who led the investigation from the Met’s Specialist Crime team, described Pusey as maintaining a dual life—a respected football career on the surface while orchestrating significant drug deals in the background. He emphasized the devastating impact of drug trafficking on London communities, including associated violence.

Operation Eternal, spanning three years, has resulted in the identification and incarceration of major figures in criminal networks, significantly disrupting the illicit drug and firearms trade.

According to reports, detectives traced Pusey’s activities on Encrochat under the handle ‘IrregularFog’ starting from June 2020. The encrypted messages on the device detailed Pusey’s extensive involvement in the distribution of Class A and B drugs, with passwords linked to his family members and travel records aligning with his movements.

Pusey was apprehended at his residence on Tuesday, 20th June 2023, and subsequently charged on Wednesday, 21st June for offenses including conspiracy to supply cocaine, ketamine, and cannabis. He pleaded guilty to these charges on Wednesday, 26th July 2023.

The Met Police reiterated their commitment to tackling drug-related crime and vowed to continue pursuing individuals involved in such activities.