Three members of what police called ‘an organised crime group’ were sentenced today (Thursday May 12) for ‘brazenly’ selling sweets containing cannabis on social media.
Reo Brandon Mangal, 34, of Nazareth Gardens, Peckham and Olivia Butler, 24, of Evan Cook Close, Peckham were sentenced alongside 35-year-old Ceroan Mangal, of Pemberton Gardens, Archway, at Wood Green Crown Court.
Detective Inspector Darren Jones, who leads a dedicated team of officers investigating drug offences in Camden and Islington, said: “This group brazenly thought they could get away with selling dangerous substances in plain sight on social media. The hard work of our officers has put a stop to their criminality and closed a significant supply chain.
“The impact of these substances should not be underestimated – they can cause an adverse reaction. Edibles are typically stronger than other cannabis products and it’s impossible for the customer to know what ingredients have been included.”
The investigation began when police caught Butler driving a car, without insurance, loaded with boxes of sweets and drinks.
Tests confirmed they contained THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis.
Butler denied knowing what was in the boxes and told officers she was delivering them to someone on behalf of a friend.
Officers seized the Peckham woman’s phone and were able to link co-conspirators Reo Mangal and Ceroan Mangal, by analysing 114,629 text messages and 67,964 photos stored on the device.
Officers discovered the group were using Snapchat and Instagram to sell to customers across the UK.
The edibles were sent by post, with customers paying into three bank accounts linked to the group.
After a complex and lengthy investigation, officers raided three addresses on October 8 2021 and the suspects were arrested.
The overwhelming evidence resulted in the Crown Prosecution Service authorising the charges.
Reo Mangal was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply class B drugs, supply of class B drugs and being concerned in the supply class B drugs at Wood Green Crown Court on Monday, 3 March.
Olivia Butler was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment, suspended for 24 months, after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply class B drugs and being concerned in the supply class B drugs at Wood Green Crown Court on Monday, 3 March.
Ceroan Mangal was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment, suspended for 24 months, after pleading guilty to possession of class B drugs and being concerned in the supply of class B drugs at Wood Green Crown Court on Tuesday, 29 March.
Detective Inspector Darren Jones said: “Removing drugs and other dangerous substances from our communities is key to reducing other associated crime that happen as a result of drug dealing, such as violence and anti-social behaviour.”
A separate investigation into where the group bought the products from is ongoing.