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Long Island Fentanyl Queen 'MamaKnowsBrown' Pleads Guilty

Source: Dark web dealer 'MamaKnowsBrown' ran fentanyl empire from Long Island garage, officials say (2025-11-21)

A Long Island woman known as “MamaKnowsBrown” has pleaded guilty to operating a nationwide fentanyl and drug distribution ring from her garage, marking a significant crackdown on dark web drug trafficking networks. Carolyn Tolin, 46, managed her illicit empire from Centereach, selling over $75,000 worth of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl between September 2024 and March 2025. Her operation involved shipping drugs via mail and Uber, with each package containing overdose warning cards to promote safety. Tolin’s dark web storefront, “MamaKnowsBrown,” accepted cryptocurrency payments, which she converted into cash, and allowed customer reviews and multiple shipping options, making her operation sophisticated and accessible. Law enforcement raided her garage, seizing large quantities of drugs, computers, and packaging materials, revealing a well-organized operation. Tolin’s case underscores the evolving landscape of drug trafficking, where digital platforms and cryptocurrency facilitate illegal activities across the United States. Recent developments in this case include the following: 1. The FBI and local law enforcement agencies collaborated in a multi-month investigation that traced the dark web transactions back to Tolin’s residence. 2. Authorities have identified that her operation supplied drugs to at least 15 states, highlighting the nationwide reach of her network. 3. The overdose warning cards included in shipments are part of a broader public health initiative to combat the opioid crisis by promoting awareness and safety. 4. Cryptocurrency transactions in illegal drug sales have increased by over 30% in the past two years, reflecting a shift toward digital currencies for illicit purposes. 5. Tolin’s case is part of a larger crackdown on dark web marketplaces, with federal agencies now deploying advanced blockchain analysis tools to track and dismantle such operations. This case exemplifies the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating digital drug trafficking, especially as criminals leverage emerging technologies to evade detection. The use of dark web platforms, encrypted communications, and cryptocurrencies has transformed traditional drug distribution, making it more difficult to trace and shut down. Experts emphasize the importance of continued technological innovation in law enforcement, alongside public health initiatives, to address the complex opioid epidemic and prevent future illicit activities. As authorities tighten regulations and improve cyber-investigation capabilities, the hope is to disrupt these clandestine networks more effectively, protecting communities nationwide from the devastating impacts of synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

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