Magdalena Sadlo, a former contestant on the Polish edition of Love Island, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for her role in a major international drug trafficking operation.
Known by the nickname “Barbie,” Sadlo, 30, was described as the brains behind the UK-Middle East cartel’s financial operations. Prosecutors say she helped move and manage millions of pounds linked to large-scale cocaine distribution across the UK.
Sadlo was arrested on February 13, 2024, as she flew into the UK from Dubai. She was found carrying luxury goods, including a £130,000 Patek Philippe watch and a £30,000 Rolex, all bought with proceeds of crime. Police say Sadlo had ingested nearly 300kg of cocaine across seven courier trips and used encrypted messaging and spreadsheets to manage the gang’s stock, finances, and logistics.
“She managed stock levels, profit margins, expenses, and more,” prosecutor Tim Evans told Carlisle Crown Court. “No organised crime group at this level could operate without someone like Sadlo.”
Evidence included chat messages where Sadlo bragged: “The devil works hard, but Barbie works harder.” Investigators also discovered online searches about drug trafficking penalties and news reports tied to massive cocaine hauls.
Police linked her to a network of safe houses and couriers across the UK. The court heard Sadlo was relentless and demanding in her accounting role, even scolding senior gang members for inefficiencies.
Twelve other individuals, including Gary Gittins and Mark Knowles from Wigan, were previously convicted under Operation Matrix — a major effort by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU). Their sentences now total over 140 years.
Detective Superintendent Zoe Russo said: “Sadlo’s conviction highlights the reach and complexity of this cartel. She played a central role in managing both drugs and dirty money.”
Judge Nicholas Barker concluded Sadlo had acted with “real enthusiasm,” adding, “You are an intelligent woman who understood the risk and reward. You acted for gain and impressed those at the top.”
