Gangster-Inspired Crime Boss Jailed for Over Nine Years in London Firearms and Drugs Bust
A ruthless crime gang leader who modelled himself on notorious gangsters has been locked up for nine years and three months at Harrow Crown Court. Oluwatobi Sunmonu, 26, of Woolwich, was caught after a Met Police intelligence operation by the Trident and Area Crime Command.
Massive Arsenal and Drugs Haul Discovered
Sunmonu’s criminal crew included Toni Ferry and Iyisha Levine. On 20 May 2017, officers raided a room at Queens Hotel Bayswater, uncovering four padlocked bags packed with horrific weapons and drugs:
- Five handguns
- One semi-automatic firearm
- One silencer
- Large quantities of live ammunition and components
- Class A drugs (cocaine and heroin) worth around £152,000
Detectives also found a fake driving licence in the name of “Thomas Corleone” – a clear nod to Hollywood gangster lore. The photo on the licence was Sunmonu’s. CCTV footage helped pin the identity and led to his arrest.
Inspired by Crime Lords, Running ‘The Supreme Team’
Sunmonu’s gang was no ordinary crew. They named themselves “The Supreme Team” after a 1980s New York crime syndicate featured in a book found locked in Sunmonu’s safe. Texts between him, Ferry, and Levine reveal how they ran their violent operation.
Ferry, Sunmonu’s girlfriend, helped rent the hotel room used to stash weapons and drugs. The gang splashed over £28,000 on room rental throughout one year and five months. Ferry and Levine prepared and packaged large quantities of drugs for distribution while bunking in hotel suites.
Gunrunning and Drug Empire Spanning London
Firearms were even delivered to Ferry’s Islington home. The police investigation exposed two main criminal enterprises within the network: firearm and ammunition supply, and Class A drug distribution. Sunmonu controlled both, selling weapons to other gangs across London.
Charges against Sunmonu and Ferry include:
- Seven counts conspiracy to enable possession of firearms with intent to endanger life
- One count conspiracy to enable possession of ammunition with intent to endanger life
- Two counts possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply
Levine faced two counts of conspiracy to possess Class A drugs with intent to supply. Sunmonu admitted all charges in November 2017. Ferry and Levine were found guilty after a trial and sentenced to 13 and five years respectively on 16 April.
Detective Hails ‘Tireless’ Investigation
“Sunmonu thought as a supplier, not an end user, he bore no responsibility for the devastation he caused,” said Detective Sergeant Mark Attridge. “My team worked relentlessly to dismantle this network and bring justice. I’m proud of their daily efforts to keep London safe.”
While Levine was initially charged with firearms offences, these were later dropped. Sunmonu’s charge for possession of an identity document with improper intent wasn’t pursued further.
