London: Hidden in a wardrobe, a drug dealer is betrayed by Wi-Fi

The trafficker was, however, using a VPN to mask his activity related to the sale of cocaine and heroin in North London.

He was using a virtual private network to avoid being tracked, but a connection to a public Wi-Fi network eventually revealed his hiding place. Joel Louis, 34, was found shirtless in a wardrobe when police arrived at his home in Wembley, northwest London.

The investigation focused on the drug sales line known as "Bobby". Police had seized the phones of minors suspected of participating in drug distribution, then traced the network back to the man who ran it.

A connection that indicates its address

Joel Louis routed his devices through a VPN to conceal their activity. However, investigators were able to identify him when he connected to a public network associated with his home address.

On July 7, police officers went to Wembley's apartment. They found him trying to hide in a wardrobe. At the time of his arrest, he reportedly asked them how they had found him.

Analysis of his phone showed that he received over 100 calls a day from nearly 250 customers. He had also boasted to some contacts about owning a firearm.

Drugs, money and weapons seized

The search resulted in the seizure of cocaine and heroin with an estimated street value of £8,800. Approximately £8,000 in cash and six mobile phones were also recovered.

The officers discovered a loaded firearm, thirteen nine-millimeter cartridges, a machete, and a folding knife. One of the phones was used to manage the "Bobby" line.

A sentence of 12 years and nine months

Joel Louis was prosecuted for possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply, possession of an offensive weapon, possession of a firearm, and possession of ammunition.

On September 11, he was sentenced to twelve years and nine months in prison for offenses related to cocaine and heroin trafficking in North Kilburn.

Police believe he recruited young people to transport drugs, exposing them to violence and the pressures of the network. The story circulated widely due to its unexpected twist: the trafficker's digital precautions couldn't withstand a simple Wi-Fi connection.