A senior figure in a Midlands-based drug trafficking operation has been sentenced to more than 15 years in prison — despite being on the run from law enforcement. Alexi Morgan, 30, of West Bromwich, was found guilty in his absence on 23 April for his role in supplying over £800,000 worth of Class A drugs, including a high-profile deal carried out outside a primary school.
Now, a nationwide manhunt is underway, with the National Crime Agency (NCA) appealing to the public for help in locating Morgan, who is believed to have strong ties to both the West Midlands and Greater London.
Crime Uncovered Through EncroChat
Morgan’s conviction forms part of the NCA’s Operation Venetic, a landmark investigation that dismantled criminal networks communicating via the encrypted platform EncroChat. Morgan, known by the handle ‘Denzelboss’, was identified as a high-ranking operative coordinating the distribution of kilos of cocaine and heroin across the region.
In one alarming example, on 4 April 2020, he arranged a drug exchange involving five kilos of cocaine and £188,000 in cash outside a primary school in Walsall. According to investigators, this was only a fraction of his total activity.
Organised Crime Network Links
Morgan’s known associates include convicted criminals Danyal Aziz, 30, and Michael Earp, 34 — both from Birmingham — who were jailed last year for a combined 59 years for dealing drugs and sourcing firearms. Analysis of thousands of EncroChat messages revealed Morgan was responsible for distributing at least 27 kilograms of Class A drugs, with an estimated wholesale value exceeding £800,000.
Ongoing Manhunt
Rick Mackenzie, Senior Investigating Officer with the NCA, said:
“Alexi Morgan played a key role in a high-harm organised crime group supplying deadly drugs across the Midlands.
“Our work to locate him and return him to custody to serve his sentence is ongoing. We know he has links to the West Midlands and Greater London, and are appealing for any information relating to his whereabouts that may assist our investigation.”
Morgan was sentenced to 15 years and six months’ imprisonment by the court in his absence. He remains at large, and authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
