Carolyn Tolin, 46, from Centereach, Long Island, has pleaded guilty to operating an online narcotics distribution business through her dark web vendor account, "MamaKnowsBrown." Tolin admitted to selling a variety of controlled substances, including heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, to customers nationwide, with payments processed through cryptocurrency.
MamaKnowsBrown Darknet Operations
Tolin's operation was run out of her home in Centereach, where she used her dark web platform to facilitate transactions and ship orders. By accepting cryptocurrency for payments, she conducted transactions with buyers from various locations across the United States. To fulfill orders, Tolin used a combination of local delivery through Uber and national shipping via USPS and UPS, ensuring discreet and efficient deliveries.
In addition to the narcotics, each shipment included a personalized overdose warning card that advised customers on the potency of the substances and suggested the use of Narcan in case of an emergency. These cards were part of a harm reduction approach, providing information to buyers about the substances they were purchasing.
Seizure and Evidence
The operation came to an end in March 2025 when law enforcement executed a search warrant at Tolin’s Centereach home. Authorities recovered quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine from the garage, alongside materials used for packaging and shipping, including computers, phones, and shipping supplies. These items provided crucial evidence linking Tolin to the ongoing transactions.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Tolin has now pleaded guilty to one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance and one count of attempted operating as a major trafficker. During the time her platform was active, Tolin facilitated over $75,000 in drug sales between September 2024 and March 2025. She faces a potential sentence of 15 years in prison, with five years of post-release supervision. Her sentencing is set for January 8, 2026, and she has been in custody since her arrest earlier this year.
Conclusion
Tolin’s case highlights the growing use of online platforms for conducting transactions, demonstrating the complexities and scale of operations in digital environments. As her legal proceedings continue, this case reflects the broader dynamics of how these darknet platforms are utilized for various purposes and the challenges they present to those involved.
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