Breakthrough in encryption-cracking led gardaí to 'factotum manager' of drugs warehouse

Messages uncovered on an encrypted phone revealed how gang members used code words such as a 'slate of pollen' for cannabis resin, 'tools' for firearms, 'seeds' for ammunition and 'candy', which referred to €108k in cash

Douglas Glynn pleaded guilty at the three-judge court to conspiracy to commit a serious offence, namely the possession of 335 rounds of ammunition, contrary to Section 71 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006. File picture: Collins Courts

A breakthrough in encryption cracking technology led gardaí to one of two gang-member brothers who was the "factotum manager" of a warehouse used to store ammunition and €1.5m in drugs, the Special Criminal Court has heard.

Messages uncovered on an encrypted phone revealed how gang members panicked about the size of boxes used in the operation and how they used code words such as a 'slate of pollen' for cannabis resin, 'tools' for firearms, 'seeds' for ammunition and 'candy', which referred to €108k in cash.