Three London men have been convicted and jailed for a collective 26 years after operating a highly sophisticated dark web drug supply network that generated millions in profits. The group, which shipped more than 28 kilograms of high-purity cocaine across the UK and around the world in just 14 months, exploited advanced technology to maintain anonymity while running their illicit business.
The UKWhite Operation
Lucas Costa, 40, Bruno Teles, 43, and Helio Delfini, 43, operated under the vendor name UKWhite across multiple illicit online marketplaces. Their operation offered everything from half-gram deals to 100-gram packages and bulk orders, catering to a global clientele through what investigators described as a remarkably sophisticated network.
Technological Sophistication
The dealers employed multiple layers of technological protection to conceal their activities. They utilized private browsers, encrypted communications, and cryptocurrency-based payments in a comprehensive effort to avoid detection by law enforcement agencies. This approach allowed them to operate what appeared to be a legitimate online business while shipping dangerous narcotics worldwide.
The Investigation and Raids
In October 2021, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) executed raids that uncovered substantial evidence of the operation's scale. Police discovered 2.5 kilograms of cocaine, extensive packaging supplies, an adapted suitcase used for shipping, and more than 6,000 prescription-only benzodiazepine tablets.
Officers also seized £17,440 in cash and approximately £67,000 in cryptocurrency, demonstrating the operation's significant financial success. The investigation revealed that the group had been operating from their home addresses in London while managing a global distribution network.
Court Proceedings and Sentences
Costa, of Rotherhithe Street, and Teles, of Heather Road in Dollis Hill, were found guilty at Bristol Crown Court on February 19 of two counts of conspiracy to supply cocaine and three counts of possessing class C drugs with intent to supply. The following day, Costa received a 14-year prison sentence while Teles was sentenced to 12 years.
Delfini, also of Rotherhithe Street, pleaded guilty to his involvement in the conspiracy in March of last year and awaits sentencing on March 10. The collective 26-year sentence represents a significant victory for law enforcement against dark web drug operations.
Law Enforcement Response
SWROCU Detective Inspector Ross Flay emphasized the operation's sophistication, stating: "These men were running a sophisticated dark web drug supply network from their home addresses in London by exploiting anonymising technology and using global postal systems."
He continued: "Through painstaking forensic work, digital investigation and international cooperation, we have removed a major threat from the online criminal marketplace." The investigation required extensive digital forensic analysis and collaboration across international borders to dismantle the network.
Broader Implications
This case highlights the evolving nature of drug trafficking in the digital age, where criminals increasingly leverage technology to conduct illegal activities on a global scale. The successful prosecution demonstrates law enforcement's growing capability to track and dismantle sophisticated dark web operations despite the technological challenges involved.
The conviction sends a clear message that even the most technologically advanced criminal networks can be identified, investigated, and prosecuted through determined police work and international cooperation.
