A man who sold diet pills on the internet which were actually poison has been jailed for three years. Kyle Enos, 33, had only been out of prison for a few months for selling fentanyl online when he bought the drug 2, 4 Dinotrophenol, or DNP, on the dark web from suppliers in India and China. He pressed it into pills in his bedroom in Maesteg, Bridgend. Cardiff Crown Court heard DNP is a regulated substance classed as both a poison and a secondary explosive that has caused at least 34 deaths in the UK. Judge Simon Mills told Enos his website gave the impression that the tablets were produced in "some sort of professional laboratory by people in white coats and qualifications and expertise". Officers raided Enos' property on Station Road in Maesteg on 25 July 2024 and found 2.5kg of orange powder and a machine used to press it into pill form. Enos admitted a total of eight charges at Cardiff Magistrates Court including possessing 2, 4 DNP, supplying the drug and supplying a regulated poison. He had also admitted five charges of failing to comply with a Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO) handed to him following his fentanyl convictions. In 2018 he wassentenced to eight years in prisonfor supplying "significant amounts" of the opioid, fentanyl to a total of 166 contacts. Four of those contacts, including Jack Barton, 23, a Cardiff University student, and Arran Rees, 34, from Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, died. No charges were brought in relation to their deaths as it could not be said with certainty Enos had supplied the fentanyl. Having served some of his eight-year sentence, he was released on licence, in 2021, but was recalled to prison in June 2022, before being released again in August 2022. Under the terms of his SCPO he was not allowed to sell products online or in a virtual marketplace; he was not allowed to access the dark web and had to notify a National Crime Agency (NCA) officer about possessing mobile phones and laptops and creating his own internet page. Enos pleaded guilty to five failures to comply with his SCPO having used a laptop to access the dark web to set up a Proton email account with end-to-end encryption and creating up a website selling DNP. The court was shown screengrabs of his online marketplace which included suggestions of products customers "may also like" giving the impression of it being a legitimate pharmacy. He took payment for the drugs by bank transfer, bitcoin and other cryptocurrency from customers around the world, including as far away as New Zealand. Enos has refused access to police to some of his devices. DNP is the drug which led to the death of Eloise Parry, 21, at hospital in Wrexham, in 2015. The Glyndwr University student,died after taking eightcapsules. In bodycam footage shown to the court the powder can be seen in a washing up bowl on his bedroom floor next to an empty pizza box. Underwear can also be seen next to his bed by the pill press machine and another baking tray filled with pills. Judge Simon Mills said he wanted the footage to be released to the media for members of the public to be made aware of the unsanitary conditions in which the pills were made. "You were selling poison to the general public," said Judge Mills. "Your pharmacy was in fact your house or flat and you were preparing and pressing the pills you were selling to the general public on a filthy piece of equipment amongst training shoes and discarded underwear." He was sentenced to a total of 36 months in prison. "You have a propensity for selling dangerous substances to people," said Judge Mills, adding: "This is a habit that you must stop." "The court doesn't know the full extent of the harm that you did by peddling this horrendous substance. "If any of your product is still out there in the community and it can be shown to have killed someone, you should face an investigation for manslaughter, but hopefully that will not happen." A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing will be held later this year.
Man who sold diet pills made from poison jailed
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Man Sentenced to Three Years for Selling Toxic Diet Pills Online"
Bbc News
7.4
TruthLens AI Summary
Kyle Enos, a 33-year-old man from Maesteg, Bridgend, has been sentenced to three years in prison for selling dangerous diet pills made from the toxic substance 2, 4 Dinitrophenol (DNP). This substance, which is classified as both a poison and a secondary explosive, has been linked to at least 34 deaths in the UK. Enos's illegal activities came to light when authorities raided his home on July 25, 2024, uncovering 2.5 kilograms of DNP powder and a pill-pressing machine. Enos had previously been convicted for selling fentanyl, which resulted in the deaths of several individuals, including a Cardiff University student. Despite being released from prison on license in 2021, he was found to be in violation of a Serious Crime Prevention Order, which prohibited him from selling products online or accessing the dark web. Enos had managed to circumvent these restrictions by using a laptop to set up a website selling DNP and accepting payments in various forms, including cryptocurrency, from customers worldwide.
During the court proceedings at Cardiff Crown Court, Judge Simon Mills expressed his disapproval of Enos's actions, highlighting the unsanitary conditions under which the pills were produced. Photographic evidence presented in court showed the hazardous environment, including the presence of discarded items and unclean equipment. The judge emphasized the potential harm caused by Enos's actions, warning that if any of the DNP products he sold led to further fatalities, he could face additional charges of manslaughter. Enos pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including possession and supply of DNP, as well as failing to comply with the terms of his SCPO. The court also announced that a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing would take place later this year, indicating that Enos may have to forfeit any financial gains from his illegal activities. Judge Mills concluded by urging Enos to cease his dangerous behavior, noting the severe consequences of his actions on public safety.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents a serious case of criminal behavior involving the sale of dangerous substances disguised as diet pills. Kyle Enos, recently released from a prison sentence for selling fentanyl, has once again engaged in illegal activities by selling the regulated substance DNP, which is not only toxic but has also been linked to numerous fatalities. The narrative emphasizes the risks associated with unregulated online sales of health-related products and raises awareness about the dangers of illicit drug trade.
Intent Behind the Article
This story aims to inform the public about the severe consequences of the illegal sale of harmful substances, particularly in the context of online marketplaces. It serves as a warning about the ease with which dangerous drugs can be obtained online and emphasizes the need for stricter regulations and enforcement.
Public Perception
The coverage aims to instill a sense of caution within the community regarding the dangers of purchasing drugs online. By highlighting the serious legal repercussions faced by Enos and the tragic outcomes of his previous dealings, the article seeks to foster a heightened awareness of drug safety.
Hidden Agendas
There may be underlying motives to divert attention from broader systemic issues related to drug addiction, mental health, and the inadequacies in the regulatory framework for online sales. While the article focuses on the individual case, it could potentially obscure the larger societal challenges that contribute to such criminal behavior.
Manipulative Elements
The article conveys its message in a straightforward manner, but it does have a manipulative quality by emphasizing the sensational aspects of Enos’ activities, such as the portrayal of his operations as deceptively professional. This framing could invoke stronger emotional responses and reinforce public fear regarding online drug sales.
Truthfulness of the Article
The information presented appears to be credible, given the legal outcomes and the serious nature of the crimes involved. The details provided, such as court proceedings and the substances in question, support the narrative's authenticity.
Societal Implications
The implications of this case extend beyond individual accountability. It highlights the ongoing issues of substance abuse and the inadequacies in preventing the sale of dangerous drugs. The case could lead to calls for more stringent regulations in online markets and potentially influence public policy discussions related to drug safety.
Target Audience
This news story is likely to resonate with individuals concerned about health and safety, particularly parents, educators, and community leaders who are invested in preventing drug misuse. It may also attract attention from law enforcement and regulatory bodies focused on drug trafficking.
Market Impact
While this particular case may not directly influence stock markets, it can contribute to broader discussions about the pharmaceutical industry, online marketplaces, and public health. Companies involved in health and wellness may find themselves scrutinized more closely following such incidents.
Global Context
Although this case is specific to the UK, it reflects a broader global trend of increasing concern about the accessibility of dangerous substances through the internet. It underscores the need for international cooperation in regulating online drug sales.
Artificial Intelligence Involvement
The structure and language of the article suggest a possibility of AI assistance in drafting or editing. Models designed for news writing could have influenced the concise presentation of facts and the overall narrative style, making it accessible and engaging for readers.
Conclusion
This news piece serves to highlight critical issues surrounding drug safety and online sales. Its focus on the consequences faced by individuals engaging in illegal activities reinforces a narrative that seeks to deter similar behaviors in the community. Overall, the article is reliable and effectively communicates its message, though it may also oversimplify complex societal issues.