Police Bust UK’s Biggest GBL Drug Haul Worth £2.2 Million
Detectives have smashed what is believed to be the largest seizure of GBL ever made in the UK. Over 2,000 litres of the dangerous drug, valued at around £2.2 million, were recovered during a major police operation.
Four Drug Kingpins Jailed for Up to 13 Years
On 24 and 25 March, four members of a Brazilian Organised Crime Network (OCN) landed hefty prison sentences at Inner London Crown Court. They were guilty of 14 counts of conspiracy to supply Class A, B, and C drugs, following an eight-week trial.
- Henrique Bernardo Medina Salles, 27 – 8 years’ imprisonment
- Sullen Miguez, 36 – 13 years’ imprisonment
- Carlos Eduardo Libardi Da Silva, 35 – 8 years’ imprisonment
- Diego Da Souza Arruda Reis, 35 – 13 years’ imprisonment (pleaded guilty in 2018)
Other gang members, including Dyego Melo Dos Passos and Isabella Braga Da Silva, were previously jailed, with Braga Da Silva deported to Brazil to serve her sentence.
High-Tech ‘Chemsex’ Drug Delivery Ring Exposed
The gang ran a slick, ruthless drug empire targeting London’s notorious ‘Chemsex’ scene. Over two years, from 2016 to 2018, they operated a rapid delivery service using mopeds and motorbikes. Buyers ordered a menu of drugs via a secret phone line, including GBL, meth, cocaine, ketamine, heroin, and cannabis.
Couriers delivered drugs disguised as normal parcels and collected cash, which was funnelled back to the gang’s central hubs. The network moved drugs using suitcases and self-storage units across London and briefly, Bristol. They operated from 26 addresses and storage sites, employing around 30 couriers working six days a week.
Luxury Lifestyle and Met Police Takedown
Detective Constable Gary Smith said: “These men and women were supplying dangerous drugs to vulnerable people who often didn’t know what they were taking. They lived a lucrative lifestyle, paying £12,500 rent for a Lux pad in St George’s Hill and cruising around in an orange Lamborghini.”
He added: “Their lives will now dramatically change as they spend many years behind bars. We will keep hunting these criminals – drugs destroy lives and we need the public’s help to stop dealers.”
The gang’s top dogs, married couple Reis and Miguez, ran the show from the shadows while trusted lieutenants managed logistics and finances. The gang exploited WhatsApp groups with code names like ‘Saidinhas’ and ‘Anjos do asfalto’ to co-ordinate their deadly deliveries and cash flow.
Inspector Allen Davis highlighted the dangers of these drugs in the ‘Chemsex’ context, including the high risk of overdose and exploitation surrounding GHB and GBL. He warned about the widespread harm caused by these substances and the criminal networks profiting from misery.
What Happens Next?
The Met Police continue to push Project Sagamore, targeting drug-related harm and vulnerability linked to ‘Chemsex’. Authorities urge anyone with info on drug dealing or exploitation to come forward.
This massive bust sends a clear message: the Met will not tolerate organised drug crime – especially when it preys on the vulnerable.
