Operation Allendale – Conspiracy to Supply Class A Drugs

This case arose from Operation Allendale, a large-scale investigation into alleged drug and firearms conspiracies in the Thornaby area. The prosecution alleged a conspiracy to supply Class A drugs linked to EncroChat communications. MMA Law represented Scott Highfield, who maintained his innocence throughout. Following a contested trial, Mr Highfield was acquitted of all charges.

The Allegation

Mr Highfield was charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, covering a period between April and June 2020. The allegation formed part of a wider investigation into organised criminal activity across Cleveland and Northumbria. The prosecution case relied heavily on encrypted communications said to have been exchanged using EncroChat devices.

If convicted, Mr Highfield faced the prospect of a lengthy custodial sentence, with serious long-term consequences for his liberty, reputation, and future.

The Legal Challenges

The case was complex and evidence-heavy. It stemmed from intelligence gathered by the National Crime Agency and passed to Cleveland Police following the compromise of the EncroChat platform.

Key challenges included:

• Interpreting encrypted communications allegedly linked to multiple users
• Establishing attribution between EncroChat handsets and individuals
• Testing the reliability and context of decoded messages
• Challenging assumptions made by the prosecution about involvement and intent

EncroChat cases require careful handling. Inferences are often drawn from limited data, making early and detailed scrutiny essential.

MMA Law’s Defence Strategy

MMA Law approached the case with a methodical and forensic defence strategy. From an early stage, the team focused on whether the prosecution could safely prove that Mr Highfield was a knowing participant in any conspiracy.

This involved:

• Rigorous analysis of EncroChat material
• Challenging handset attribution and user assumptions
• Testing the prosecution’s interpretation of messages
• Highlighting evidential gaps and inconsistencies

The defence was structured to ensure the jury fully understood the limits of the prosecution’s case, rather than accepting speculation as fact.

The Outcome

After proceeding to trial, Mr Highfield was acquitted of the charge of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

This outcome meant:

• No conviction
• No custodial sentence
• No criminal record for this allegation

In a case of this seriousness, an acquittal represents a life-changing result for the client.

Why This Case Matters

This case demonstrates MMA Law’s deep experience in EncroChat-related prosecutions and complex conspiracy allegations. It highlights the firm’s ability to:

• Deconstruct large-scale investigations
• Challenge digital and intelligence-led evidence
• Protect clients facing the most serious allegations

For anyone accused in an EncroChat or conspiracy case, this result shows the importance of early, specialist defence representation by solicitors who understand both the law and the tactics used in modern prosecutions.