A United States court has sentenced Oluwole Adegboruwa, a 54-year-old Nigerian residing in the U.S., and his accomplice, Enrique Isong, 49, to a combined 40 years in prison for their roles in a multi-million-dollar drug trafficking operation conducted through the dark web.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah confirmed the sentences in a statement published on its website. Adegboruwa, described as the mastermind of the operation, received 30 years in prison, lifetime supervised release, and was ordered to forfeit over $20 million—one of the largest financial penalties in the district’s history.
Isong, who played a supporting role in the criminal enterprise, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release.
The convictions stem from a May 2024 trial where both men were found guilty of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and money laundering. Between October 2016 and May 2019, Adegboruwa and his team sold more than 300,000 oxycodone pills through dark web marketplaces, amassing approximately $9.1 million in drug proceeds.
Sophisticated Criminal Operation
Court documents revealed that Adegboruwa organized and supervised the drug enterprise, assigning specific roles to his team. Some members sourced pharmacy-grade oxycodone pills, while others packaged and shipped the drugs to customers across the U.S. Adegboruwa controlled all sales on dark web platforms and managed the operation’s cryptocurrency accounts, which handled the bulk of their profits.
During the trial, Adegboruwa admitted to launching and running the dark web drug operation. He also acknowledged his involvement in managing the monetary transactions and coordinating the illegal activities.
Law Enforcement Crackdown
The operation’s dismantling highlights the collaborative efforts of multiple U.S. agencies, including the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).
Trina A. Higgins, U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah, emphasized the importance of combating drug trafficking.
“Protecting the community from illicit drugs and dismantling drug trafficking operations is a priority for my office and our law enforcement partners. We will continue to prosecute and seek justice for these crimes,” Higgins said.
Glen Henderson, Inspector in Charge of the USPIS Phoenix Division, debunked the idea of anonymity on the dark web.
“This case demonstrates that true anonymity on the dark web is a myth. U.S. Postal Inspectors remain steadfast in their commitment to dismantling drug trafficking operations, ensuring the safety of USPS customers and employees alike,” Henderson noted.
DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen highlighted the operation’s complexity and the agency’s relentless pursuit of justice.
“Adegboruwa’s criminal drug enterprise was sophisticated and generated millions of dollars in profits. This sentencing is a stark reminder that drug traffickers cannot hide their illicit activities, even in the secretive expanses of the dark web,” Pullen said.
Carissa Messick, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-CI’s Phoenix Field Office, emphasized the importance of tracing financial transactions in uncovering criminal activities.
“The forfeiture amount in this case highlights the magnitude of the investigation and the impact on our community. IRS-CI remains committed to uncovering illegal schemes by following the money,” Messick stated.
Also Read:
- Nigerian Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Multi-Million Dollar Business Email Scam Targeting Universities
- Former American Airlines Mechanic Sentenced to Nine Years for Smuggling Cocaine on Flight
Justice Served
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thaddeus J. May, Jennifer E. Gully, and Stewart M. Young of the District of Utah. The sentencing marks a significant victory in the fight against drug trafficking and serves as a warning to those exploiting the dark web for illegal activities.
With these sentences, law enforcement agencies reaffirm their dedication to protecting communities and holding criminals accountable, even in the shadowy corners of the internet.