Unmasking the London Drug Lords: How Three Men Made £2 Million Selling Counterfeit Drugs

Three men have been sentenced to a total of 24 years in prison following the discovery of their £2 million counterfeit drug supply operation on the dark web by detectives from London's Metropolitan Police.

The investigation, led by the Met Police's Cyber Crime Unit, was initiated based on intelligence provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in the United States, which revealed that the men were illicitly selling pharmaceutical drugs online.

The individuals involved in this criminal enterprise, Allen Valentine, his son Roshan Valentine, and their childhood friend Krunal Patel, were responsible for manufacturing and distributing Benzodiazepines, a type of sedative classified as a Class C drug. 

Their illegal operation yielded at least £2 million in profits.

Krunal Patel (Accused)

Allen Valentine (Accused)

Roshan Valentine (Accused)

Operating under the guise of a company named Puzzle Logistics Limited, formed in 2016, the trio utilized a warehouse unit at Acton Business Centre to produce, package, and distribute the drugs. 

Their products, including Xanax, Diazepam, and Valium, were advertised on various dark web markets.

Fake Red Xanax produced by the culprits

Fake Teva Diazipam produced by the culprits

Another Fake drug produced by the culprits

Detectives commenced the investigation in January 2022 and identified the warehouse as a key location in their operation. The three men frequented the unit daily, with Krunal Patel often leaving with large bags and returning without their contents.

Customers purchased the drugs on the dark web using cryptocurrency, which were subsequently mailed to their addresses. 

The Cyber Crime Unit, equipped with expertise in the dark web and cryptocurrency, played a crucial role in advancing the investigation.

Using specialized cyber tactics, detectives established concrete evidence linking the Valentines and Patel to the production and sale of illegal substances. They determined that the three men had converted £2 million from cryptocurrency into sterling, and these accounts have since been frozen by the police.

Krunal Patel's arrest on August 17, 2022, near the warehouse was a significant breakthrough in the case. 

He was found in possession of 15 parcels labeled for distribution to various UK addresses, containing tablets imprinted with "Xanax" and "Teva," brand names for licensed medicines within the Benzodiazepine group. 

Roshan and Allen Valentine were arrested later the same day.

During a search of the warehouse, officers discovered a concealed laboratory containing a significant amount of equipment and various chemical substances. Numerous crates of pills, manufactured on-site, were also found. 

Analysis confirmed that the pills contained Class C drugs from the Benzodiazepine group, including Deschloroetizolam, Flubromazepam, Bromazolam, and Flualprazolam.

Laboratory used by the suspects

Allen Valentine claimed to be a doctor with qualifications in pharmacy, and ongoing investigations aim to verify his claims.

All three men were charged with conspiracy to produce Class C drugs and money laundering offenses on August 19, 2022, and were remanded in custody.

Detective Constable Alex Hawkins, who led the investigation, emphasized the dangers posed by the counterfeit drugs and urged individuals to seek medical advice and obtain prescriptions through legitimate channels.

Detective Superintendent Helen Rance, who leads the Cyber Crime Unit, highlighted the unit's expertise in combating illegal activities on the dark web through collaboration with international law enforcement partners.

At Isleworth Crown Court on Thursday, September 7, the following sentences were handed down:

- Krunal Patel, 40, of Carmalite Road, Harrow, received a six-year prison sentence.

- Roshan Valentine, 39, of Hilliard Road, Northwood, received a seven-year prison sentence.

- Allen Valentine, 63, of Kynaston Wood, Harrow, received an 11-year prison sentence.

Krunal Patel and Roshan Valentine had previously pleaded guilty to multiple offenses, while Allen Valentine was found guilty following a trial. 

In another news, terror suspect Daniel Khalife, who escaped prison dressed as a chef has been arrested by London police. See detailed story here.

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