Criminal who fled to Spain to avoid arrest is jailed for more than five years

Sean Farrell (03/04/1973) of Moorfield Road, Salford, has been jailed for five years and three months for conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs.

At the centre of the investigation was the use of encrypted mobile phones, which falls under Operation Venetic, the National Crime Agency (NCA) led operation which disrupted the encrypted communication system, Encrochat, used by organised criminal networks.

Each user was allocated a ‘handle’ to identify themselves across the network and conceal their true identity. In 2020, law enforcement agencies collaborated across Europe to dismantle the network and identify those who used it.

Farrell, who operated under the ‘VanillaJerky’ was identified as a key supplier of Class A and B drugs between March and June 2020.

Mugshot of Sean Farrell (03/04/1973) of Moorfield Road, Salford

Evidence from encrypted messages revealed Farrell negotiated deals worth significant cash values, including cocaine which was offered at prices up to £39,500 per kilogram, with a profit of around £3,000 per transaction for the 52-year-old.

Cannabis was also supplied, discussing imports from the USA valued at 1,200 dollars per pound and selling for 3,000 dollars.

Farrell also arranged cash collections, including one for £5,500. His criminal enterprise extended beyond local supply, with plans to import cannabis from overseas and distribute across the United Kingdom.

Cocaine Farrell was distributing

When officers executed warrants in January 2022 - Farrell had vanished -  fleeing to Spain to evade arrest and prosecution. Despite being circulated as wanted he remained at large for over two years.

On Monday 2 September 2024, Farrell’s time on the run came to an ended.

Officers stopped a Mercedes C Class with Spanish plates on Stretford Road in Old Trafford, when questioned, the passenger gave false details, but checks confirmed his identity as wanted man Farrell.

He was arrested and subsequently charged with multiple offences including conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs, conspiracy to import cannabis, and money laundering.

Cannabis Farrell was distributing

Farrell was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on Thursday 27 November 2025.

Detective Constable Sajid Sardar from our City of Manchester Challenger Team said: “Farrell believed he could escape justice by fleeing overseas, but our officers worked tirelessly to track him down.

“This was a complex investigation which involved cracking encrypted communications, gaining international cooperation from Spanish authorities, and years of persistence.

“His jail term sends a clear message: organised crime will not be tolerated in Greater Manchester. We will pursue offenders no matter where they hide, and no matter how long they have been hiding for.”