Final sentencing marks conclusion of major drug investigation

The final sentencing in a major investigation into the large-scale importation and distribution of Class A drugs across the UK has taken place today (Friday 13 June), at Carlisle Crown Court, marking the conclusion of Operation Matrix, a long-running and complex investigation led by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU).

Magdalena Sadlo, 30, of Ringwood, Bracknell was sentenced today, following the earlier convictions of Gary Gittins and Mark Knowles in April this year. This brings the total number of individuals convicted under Operation Matrix to 13, with combined prison sentences exceeding 140 years.

Operation Matrix began with the investigation of a local drug dealer in Windermere, Reece Barnes, and ultimately dismantled three major organised crime groups (OCGs) operating across the UK. In March 2024, 10 men were sentenced to over 120 years in prison for their roles in the conspiracy.

In April, Gary Gittins, 43, of Woodland Avenue, Wigan, and Mark Knowles, 41, of Prestwich Street, Atherton, were sentenced for their roles as safe house controllers.

Gittins allowed his home to be used by the Stephens and Buller organised crime group (OCG) to store and distribute approximately 175kg of cocaine, valued at £17.5 million.

Knowles facilitated the storage of over 77kg of cocaine, worth more than £7 million, across three separate occasions.

Both were arrested on 1 February 2024. Officers seized £28,000 worth of cannabis from Gittins’ home and recovered mixing agents from Knowles’ address. A forensic examination of Knowles’ phone revealed images of kilo blocks of cocaine.

Gary Gittins was jailed for 7 years and 6 months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (cocaine) and possession with intent to supply cannabis.

Mark Knowles was jailed for 4 years and 10 months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (cocaine).

Today’s sentencing of Magdalena Sadlo concludes the second phase of the investigation. Sadlo played a pivotal role in the international arm of the conspiracy, acting as a key link between UK-based OCGs and overseas drug cartels.

In February 2024, she transported 33kg of cocaine from Harwich after arriving by ferry from Holland. She delivered the drugs to Knowles’ safe house, from where Caine Turner distributed over 20kg across the North West. One kilogram was later recovered during the arrest of Reece Barnes.

Following the arrest of other key figures in May 2023, Sadlo fled the UK. She was arrested at Heathrow Airport on 13 February 2024 upon her return from Abu Dhabi, in possession of approximately £200,000 in criminal property, including luxury watches—a £130,000 Patek Philippe and a £30,000 Rolex.

Digital evidence from her devices revealed her high-level involvement:

She coordinated the movement of over 600kg of cocaine, 70kg of cannabis, and 96kg of ketamine, with a combined street value exceeding £64 million.

Sadlo also managed encrypted communications with senior cartel members and maintained detailed spreadsheets tracking stock levels, customer payments, expenses, and profits.

Messages recovered included: “Having a good month, done 95895 in profit so far from orders,” and “Yeah finding it much better doing sit downs for an hour at a time when I can update it.”

Sadlo was described as performing a managerial role within the international cartel, effectively acting as an accounts manager for the criminal enterprise.

Magdalena Sadlo was jailed for 14 years after pleading guilty to two counts of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (cocaine), Class B drugs (cannabis and ketamine), and conspiracy to conceal, disguise, convert, transfer, or remove criminal property.

Detective Superintendent Zoe Russo, NWROCU, said:

“Operation Matrix has resulted in the conviction of 13 individuals and prison sentences totalling over 140 years. These convictions strike a significant blow to the supply of drugs across the North West and the UK as we continue to remove top-end controllers of international drug supply.

“Magdalena Sadlo’s arrest and conviction highlight the reach and complexity of this operation. She played a key role in managing international drug supply and laundering criminal profits, and will now face the consequences of her actions behind bars.

“We hope this investigation sends a clear message that whatever your role is in drug trafficking, we will find you, investigate you, and bring you to justice. We are committed to ridding the streets of drugs, robustly dealing with high harm offenders to reduce crime and restore trust and confidence in communities across the North West.”