Ricardo MacQueen De Aguiar, aged 36, from Hopton Road, Streatham, has been sentenced to seven years in prison at Croydon Crown Court for his involvement in the importation and distribution of the drug GBL, as well as multiple other offences. The sentencing occurred on Wednesday, July 24, marking a significant victory for the Metropolitan Police in their efforts to combat drug-related crimes in the city.
De Aguiar was convicted on several counts, including importing a Class B drug (GBL), possessing and distributing GBL, two counts of assault on emergency workers, and breaching a previous Sexual Harm Prevention Order. He has also been issued a new seven-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
GBL, a drug known for its use as an industrial solvent, has been challenging to regulate due to its legitimate applications. However, it has gained notoriety for its recreational use, particularly within the LGBT+ community and among men who have sex with men, where it is often used to enhance sexual experiences. The drug is dangerous, potentially fatal in incorrect dosages, and has been associated with sexual assaults.
The Metropolitan Police’s investigation began in earnest in September 2023 after UK Border Force intercepted a shipment of 50 litres of GBL from Poland addressed to a flat in Lambeth, London. Following a thorough search of the property, investigators found significant evidence including a portable hard drive, mobile phone, and paperwork linked to De Aguiar’s activities.
Detective Constable Eoghan O’Neil, who led the investigation, praised his team for their diligence. I’m proud of the dedicated detectives who dug deep into the vast amount of data seized as part of this investigation – their professional curiosity led us to build a robust case against De Aguiar and ultimately helped to take this dangerous man off our streets,” he stated.
Further complicating De Aguiar’s criminal activities, during his arrest, he violently assaulted two police officers, leading to additional charges. The court heard detailed accounts of these assaults, including a count of non-fatal strangulation and a religiously aggravated public order offence against one of the officers.
The Metropolitan Police continues to address the sensitivities and concerns related to recreational drug use, especially in the context of chemsex scenes. They are engaging with charity sector partners, addiction specialists, health professionals, and the wider criminal justice sector to ensure a sensitive approach to these complex issues.
As the Met Police work towards building a new framework for law enforcement in London, LGBT+ Community Liaison Officers have been appointed to ensure that every LGBT+ individual in the capital feels confident to report crimes, seek help, and express their concerns without fear.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges and complexities faced by law enforcement in dealing with drug crimes that intersect with issues of public health, community safety, and individual rights.
