By James Simons-
An extensive online drug ring that utilized post offices, including one in Havering, to distribute controlled substances has been jailed, after being dismantled by the Metropolitan Police.
This operation marks a significant victory in the ongoing battle against drug-related crime in East London.
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The investigation fell under Operation Orochi, a specialist crime team within the Met dedicated to combating county lines drug supply.
Maciej Budzinski (pictured)was given ten years and eight months imprisonment, whilst his partner in crime ,Symon Karmolinski, received five five years and ten months imprisonment. Amanda Bueser received a 15-month suspended prison sentence and 250 hours of unpaid work.
The drug ring operated under various online platforms, including ‘World Pharmacy’, ‘Baked Bros’, ‘Baked Store’, and ‘Caliukvapes’, to reach a broad audience. Over the course of the investigation, which spanned from August 2022 to May 2023, police seized 88 items, including a substantial quantity of controlled drugs. The total value of the seized items is estimated at £153,743.
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In addition to the drugs, police found cutting agents, scales, empty bottles, post office labels, drug ledgers, and multiple mobile phones. Customers could place orders through Telegram and WhatsApp channels, with the drugs discreetly packaged and shipped via mail services.
The investigation into the ‘Baked Bros’ store channel, which boasted 3,300 subscribers, revealed advertisements for a variety of substances, including cocaine, cannabis, LSD, ecstasy, magic mushroom pills, codeine, amphetamine, and oxycontin. A Snapchat account linked to the operation further facilitated drug orders.
The key figures in the operation were:
Symon Karmolinski, 25: Managed day-to-day activities and oversaw the accounts.
Amanda Bueser, 25: Assisted with packaging, logo design, and processing drug orders, including using her bank account for transactions.
She also used her bank account to receive money from the drugs.
Maciej Budzinski, 26: Handled customer orders and was caught on CCTV at the Collier Row Post Office sending out numerous parcels.
The Metropolitan Police reported that Karmolinski frequently visited Budzinski at his Beckton home to collect parcels and send them from various post offices, including those at Pier Parade in North Woolwich, Prince Regent Lane in Plaistow, and East Ham High Street.
On May 22, 2023, warrants were executed at multiple addresses: Dennington Road in Beckton, Siviter Way in Dagenham, and Hainault Road in Leytonstone. These coordinated efforts led to the arrests and subsequent prosecution of the individuals involved.
Detective Inspector Dave Mannell, who led the investigation, highlighted the connection between drugs and violence, underscoring the importance of cracking down on drug offenders. He stated, “The sentences handed down are the result of a detailed investigation into the supply of controlled drugs with a national customer base. The evidence gathered by my officers, during what has been a complex and extensive investigation, has ensured that a significant amount of drugs will now not be sold on the streets of London.”
This successful operation exemplifies the Metropolitan Police’s commitment to combating drug-related crime and ensuring the safety of the community. The dismantling of this drug ring serves as a stern warning to other potential offenders and highlights the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement efforts.
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