Sweets sold on social media contained cannabis

Three members of an organised crime group that sold sweets containing cannabis on social media have been sentenced following a Met investigation.

At Wood Green Crown Court on Monday, March 3, Reo Brandon Mangal, 24,  of Nazareth Gardens, Peckham, was sentenced to 30 months’ in jail 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.

Reo Brandon Mangal

Also at the same time, Olivia Butler, 24, of Evan Cook Close, Peckham, 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 Tuesday, March 29, Ceroan Mangal, 35, of Pemberton Gardens, Archway, north London, 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 .

All three were sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court on Thursday, May 12.

Police began an investigation after Butler was stopped driving a car without insurance in Fortess Road, Camden in January 2021. Officers searched the vehicle and found several boxes of sweets and drinks containing THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis.

She denied having any knowledge about what was inside the boxes and told officers she was delivering them to another person on behalf of a friend. She was released under investigation to allow further enquiries to be carried out.

During the course of these enquiries, officers analysed 114,629 text messages and 67,964 photos which were found on Butler’s phone. The content recovered on the phone linked her with Reo Mangal and Ceroan Mangal.

Officers discovered the group had used Snapchat and Instagram to sell to customers across the UK. The products were delivered by post and money was paid into three bank accounts which were linked to the group.

Following a complex and lengthy investigation, officers carried out raids on three addresses on October 8, 2021 and the suspects were arrested. The overwhelming evidence resulted in charges being authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Detective Inspector Darren Jones 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.

“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.