US-Based Nigerian and Accomplice Sentenced to 40 Years for Dark Web Drug Trafficking
A United States court has sentenced Oluwole Adegboruwa, a 54-year-old US-based Nigerian, and his accomplice, Enrique Isong, 49, to a combined 40 years in prison for orchestrating a multi-million dollar drug trafficking operation through the dark web.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah revealed the details of the sentencing in a recent statement. Adegboruwa received a 30-year prison sentence, lifetime supervised release, and was ordered to forfeit over $20 million—one of the largest forfeiture amounts in the history of the district. Meanwhile, Isong was sentenced to 10 years in prison, along with three years of supervised release.
Drug Trafficking Enterprise
Between October 2016 and May 2019, Adegboruwa and his team distributed over 300,000 oxycodone pills via dark web marketplaces across the United States. Evidence presented at the trial showed that the operation generated approximately $9.1 million in drug proceeds.
Adegboruwa, described as the mastermind of the enterprise, controlled the illicit narcotics network. He supervised activities ranging from sourcing pharmacy-grade pills to packaging and shipping them to customers nationwide. He also managed the dark web sales and financial operations, including cryptocurrency accounts used to conceal profits.
Criminal Charges and Sentencing
The court found both Adegboruwa and Isong guilty of several federal offenses, including conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and money laundering. Adegboruwa’s conviction also included running a continuing criminal enterprise, underscoring his central role in the operation.
The sentences were delivered after a May 2024 jury verdict, which highlighted the sophisticated nature of the operation.
Law Enforcement Statements
U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah emphasized the commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks:
“Protecting communities from illicit drugs and prosecuting these crimes remains a top priority for my office.”
Glen Henderson, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Services State Phoenix Division, stated:
“This case demonstrates that anonymity on the dark web is a myth. Postal Inspectors remain committed to ensuring the safety of USPS customers and employees.”
Jonathan Pullen, DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division Special Agent in Charge, added:
“Adegboruwa’s criminal drug enterprise was sophisticated, but this sentencing serves as a reminder that drug traffickers cannot escape justice, even on the dark web.”
Forfeiture and Financial Investigation
Carissa Messick, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Phoenix Field Office, noted:
“The forfeiture amount underscores the magnitude of this investigation and our relentless effort to follow the money in uncovering illegal schemes.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thaddeus J. May, Jennifer E. Gully, and Stewart M. Young of the District of Utah.
The sentencing highlights the collaborative efforts of multiple U.S. agencies in combating drug trafficking and money laundering operations.
