Magdalena Sadlo, a former contestant on Love Island, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for her significant involvement in a multi-million pound drug smuggling operation.

Known as 'Barbie', Sadlo acted as a courier for a drug cartel, transporting nearly 300 kg of cocaine over multiple trips, including a notable delivery of 33 kg to Greater Manchester.

In her role as the cartel's financial director, she managed millions in drug transactions, overseeing profits, costs, and stock levels, which proved essential for the cartel's operations.

Detectives uncovered spreadsheets detailing drug supplies and profits from her mobile phones and laptops, revealing her extensive involvement in the cartel's financial dealings.

Prosecutor Tim Evans highlighted that organized crime groups rely on individuals like Sadlo to effectively manage their financial operations.

Judge Nicholas Barker noted Sadlo's central role in drug distribution and acknowledged her awareness of the risks associated with her activities.

Sadlo was arrested in February 2024 at Heathrow Airport after arriving from Dubai, where she was found with luxury watches valued at £160,000, purchased with drug money.

She pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply cocaine, cannabis, and ketamine, as well as conspiracy to launder money, expressing remorse for her actions in a letter to the judge.

As part of Operation Matrix, twelve other gang members have received sentences totaling over 100 years, highlighting the extensive crackdown on drug trafficking networks in the UK.

Detective Superintendent Zoe Russo emphasized the investigation's success in convicting major drug traffickers and its significant impact on drug supply in the North West and the UK.

The ongoing investigation aims to deter drug trafficking and restore trust in communities by removing high-level offenders from the streets.

The cartel's operation, described as 'Amazon-style', was responsible for flooding the UK with substantial amounts of drugs, including cocaine, ketamine, and cannabis.