UK’s Biggest GBL Haul: £2.2 Million Drug Ring Busted
Detectives have smashed one of the UK’s largest drug operations, seizing over 2,000 litres of GBL — a staggering £2.2 million worth of the dangerous chemical. Four key members of the Organised Crime Network (OCN) were locked up last week at Inner London Crown Court, finally ending their multimillion-pound drug empire.
Crime Gang Targeted London’s ‘Chemsex’ Scene
The Brazilian-run criminal outfit sold vast quantities of Class A, B, and C drugs to the notorious Chemsex community. For two years, from June 2016 to July 2018, they ran a slick, tech-savvy delivery service across London and briefly Bristol, offering cocaine, heroin, crystal meth, ketamine, cannabis, and GBL.
- Henrique Bernardo Medina Salles, 27, of Silvertown – sentenced to 8 years
- Sullen Miguez, 36, of Weybridge – 13 years
- Carlos Eduardo Libardi Da Silva, 35, of Bristol – 8 years
- Diego Da Souza Arruda Reis, 35, of Weybridge – 13 years
Other accomplices, including Dyego Melo Dos Passos and Isabella Braga Da Silva, also faced hefty sentences, with Braga Da Silva deported to Brazil to serve her time.
High-Tech Drugs Empire Packed With Couriers and Storage Units
The network operated like a corporate business, using WhatsApp groups—nicknamed ‘Saidinhas’, ‘Anjos do asfalto’ (Asphalt Angels) and ‘Din Din Din’ — to co-ordinate orders and track cash flow. Customers placed drug orders via a dedicated hotline and received lightning-fast deliveries by moped couriers. Drugs were hidden in seemingly innocent packages, swapped for cash on the street.
Between January and July 2018, the gang used 26 addresses and five storage units across London, employing around 30 couriers who earned £730 a week. Late returns were fined by the network bosses.
Detective Warns of Grim Impact
Detective Constable Gary Smith, Specialist Crime Command: “These criminals supplied highly dangerous drugs to vulnerable people who often didn’t know what they were taking. They lived in luxury — paying £12,500 rent for a Weybridge mansion and cruising in a bright orange Lamborghini. Now, they face many years behind bars.”
“Drugs wreak havoc on lives, causing severe physical and mental harm. This gang made millions while risking destruction for countless victims. We will keep fighting these dealers and urge the public to report any suspicious activity or exploitation.”
Inspector Allen Davis, Met’s Honour, Belief and Sex Partnership Team: “Project Sagamore tackles crime linked to drugs in the Chemsex scene. The primary drugs involved are crystal meth, mephedrone, and GHB/GBL, which carry huge risks including overdose and death.”
“These substances fuel dangerous behaviours, increase vulnerability, and hamper reporting of crimes. We recognise the unique challenges Chemsex drugs pose — not just to individuals but also because their supply attracts organised crime.”
