Menu
01/10/2015
Man Jailed For 'Dark Web' Drug Dealing
A 20-year-old man has been jailed for two years and four months following an international operation targeting vendors of illegal drugs through dark web market places.
National Crime Agency officers arrested Alex Middleton at his home in New Waltham, Grimsby.
Using the name 'MaximusDecimus', Middleton was active on at least nine online drug market places and specialised in providing controlled pharmaceuticals and experimental designer drugs sourced from India and China.
At the time of his arrest NCA officers found Class B drug methoextamine, a stronger version of ketamine, in bags with fake invoices claiming that the drug was a 'sea vegetable supplement' from a legitimate health food company. They also found bottles of Class C Alprozam liquid, more commonly known as Xanax.
Further analysis of Middleton's computers found orders for chemistry equipment as well as details of transactions to the USA, Canada, Germany and the UK. Middleton's online profile on two dark web marketplaces alone detailed feedback from 195 transactions.
On the 10 June 2015, Middleton pleaded guilty to five charges relating to the possession, importation and intent to supply of Class B and C drugs. He was sentenced to 2 years 4 months at Leeds Crown Court on 30 September 2015.
NCA Branch Commander, David Norris said: "This is another reminder to criminals that the dark web isn't as anonymous as they might hope, we have the ability to track and identify them and will continue to prosecute people who use the dark web to commit and enable serious crime."
(MH/CD)
National Crime Agency officers arrested Alex Middleton at his home in New Waltham, Grimsby.
Using the name 'MaximusDecimus', Middleton was active on at least nine online drug market places and specialised in providing controlled pharmaceuticals and experimental designer drugs sourced from India and China.
At the time of his arrest NCA officers found Class B drug methoextamine, a stronger version of ketamine, in bags with fake invoices claiming that the drug was a 'sea vegetable supplement' from a legitimate health food company. They also found bottles of Class C Alprozam liquid, more commonly known as Xanax.
Further analysis of Middleton's computers found orders for chemistry equipment as well as details of transactions to the USA, Canada, Germany and the UK. Middleton's online profile on two dark web marketplaces alone detailed feedback from 195 transactions.
On the 10 June 2015, Middleton pleaded guilty to five charges relating to the possession, importation and intent to supply of Class B and C drugs. He was sentenced to 2 years 4 months at Leeds Crown Court on 30 September 2015.
NCA Branch Commander, David Norris said: "This is another reminder to criminals that the dark web isn't as anonymous as they might hope, we have the ability to track and identify them and will continue to prosecute people who use the dark web to commit and enable serious crime."
(MH/CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 September 2015
Further Six Arrested In No Deal Operation In Birmingham
A further six people have been arrested as part of an ongoing operation targeting suspected drug dealers in Birmingham. Police carried out a series of dawn raids on Thursday 24 September, arresting a 17-year-old man, two 19-year-olds and three men aged 21, 26 and 47.
Further Six Arrested In No Deal Operation In Birmingham
A further six people have been arrested as part of an ongoing operation targeting suspected drug dealers in Birmingham. Police carried out a series of dawn raids on Thursday 24 September, arresting a 17-year-old man, two 19-year-olds and three men aged 21, 26 and 47.
17 October 2003
54 arrested in swoop on suspected drug dealers
Sellers of the Big Issue were among 54 people arrested by Merseyside Police today in a crackdown on drug dealing in Liverpool city centre. Operation Manton targeted suspected drug dealers and drug users and 50 men and four women were arrested following a 15-month long investigation by Merseyside Police into drug dealing on the city's streets.
54 arrested in swoop on suspected drug dealers
Sellers of the Big Issue were among 54 people arrested by Merseyside Police today in a crackdown on drug dealing in Liverpool city centre. Operation Manton targeted suspected drug dealers and drug users and 50 men and four women were arrested following a 15-month long investigation by Merseyside Police into drug dealing on the city's streets.
07 April 2003
Two in court over cocaine smuggling charges
Two brothers from Rochdale are expected to appear in court in Manchester today to face charges over attempting to smuggle around 4.5 kilos of cocaine into the UK.
Two in court over cocaine smuggling charges
Two brothers from Rochdale are expected to appear in court in Manchester today to face charges over attempting to smuggle around 4.5 kilos of cocaine into the UK.
15 October 2015
14 Arrested In Dawn Raids Across Bristol
Fourteen men have been arrested in a series of dawn raids in Bristol. The men, aged between 15 and 63, were arrested on suspicion of conspiring to supply drugs. Police said that the raids are part of an ongoing drugs investigation in Bristol.
14 Arrested In Dawn Raids Across Bristol
Fourteen men have been arrested in a series of dawn raids in Bristol. The men, aged between 15 and 63, were arrested on suspicion of conspiring to supply drugs. Police said that the raids are part of an ongoing drugs investigation in Bristol.
15 June 2015
Four Charged Over Everton Tower Block Cannabis Farm
Four men have been charged following the discovery of a cannabis farm in a tower block in Everton. Police on patrol on Wednesday 10 June noticed a strong a smell of cannabis in the area. Investigating the smell, the officers uncovered a large scale cannabis grow house in a number of flats.
Four Charged Over Everton Tower Block Cannabis Farm
Four men have been charged following the discovery of a cannabis farm in a tower block in Everton. Police on patrol on Wednesday 10 June noticed a strong a smell of cannabis in the area. Investigating the smell, the officers uncovered a large scale cannabis grow house in a number of flats.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
