Neal Sharpe, 57, of Valley Drive, London, and Wuwuoritsetan Orimolade, 30, of Deans Way, London, were jailed for a total of 18 years, following an investigation led by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU).

 

 

The pair were found to be part of a group called ‘The OxyMen’, which operated across 14 dark web marketplaces selling a wide range of substances including hydroxy-n-butyric acid, commonly known as GHB.

 

Detectives established that Sharpe was the orchestrater of the activity and behind the acquisition, holding, preparation and onward sale of controlled drugs.

 

He was arrested in April 2022, with officers searching his home and a storage unit in Neasdon and locating prescription and illegal drugs, including 60 litres of GHB, valued at up to £375,000.

 

Analysis of his digital devices by ERSOU’s specialist investigators identified images of usernames and orders linked to the ‘Oxymen’ profile, along with customer details and logos for the account.

 

Within Sharpe’s phone were messages indicating he was involved in the sale of a wide variety of drugs, including liquid and powder GHB, methylamphetamine, Ritalin, modafinil, ecstasy, cocaine and cannabis.

 

He previously admitted his role in the operation after being charged with possession with intent to supply oxycodone, MDMA, methylamphetamine, cocaine, dihydrocodeine, butanediol, methylmethcathinone, bromazolam, diazepam and clonazepam.

 

Orimolade’s role was to manage the online side of the business, taking orders from the dark web marketplaces, listing and pricing products and managing the crypto currency accounts.

 

He was arrested in July 2022, with officers seizing his digital devices which were later found to contain WhatsApp messages discussing the bulk sale of Diazepam, Xanax, Clonazepam, Zoplicone, Codeine, Tapentadol, Ritalin and cocaine.

 

His web history also showed searches for terms including ‘Where can you find people to have sex with on drugs?’, ‘Best drugs for sex?’, ‘Opiate overdose symptoms’ and ‘What is ksaol used for?’.

 

The Oxymen profile was found to have made at least 2,585 deals, with customers believing they had a secure place to make purchases. 

 

However, specialist cybercrime detectives were able to piece together an intelligence picture around the group, establishing Sharpe and Orimolade as two of those involved.

 

At a Luton Crown Court hearing today, Sharpe was sentenced to 11 years' imprisonment, with Orimolade, who was previously found guilty following trial, jailed for seven years.

 

Detective Constable Andy Day, from ERSOU’s Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU), said: “Today’s sentencing serves as a stark reminder that the anonymity of the dark web is an illusion. 

 

“While Sharpe and Orimolade believed that their activities were hidden and secure, our dedicated cybercrime team worked tirelessly to uncover their operation.

 

“The safety of the communities of the eastern region are our highest priority and no matter where criminal activity occurs, we will find and prosecute those responsible.

 

“There is no doubt in my mind that the removal of such a large quantity of GHB often found used in incidents of date rape and sexual assault, has prevented significant harm within our communities.”