A businessman has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for his involvement as a supplier to Scottish drug gangs, supporting their illegal operations. Sebastiano Sorrenti, who ran a company supplying equipment to legitimate pharmaceutical businesses, also served as a “Machine Guy” to Scottish crime groups. He provided industrial pill presses to these gangs, enabling the production of Etizolam, a Class C drug responsible for over 800 drug-related deaths in Scotland in 2021.
Sebastiano Sorrenti’s illegal activities were uncovered following investigations by Police Scotland and the National Crime Agency (NCA). The arrest of Kyle Byrne from Paisley, Renfrewshire, in connection with drug offences led to the discovery of pill presses provided by Sorrenti to Byrne’s organised crime group. Messages exchanged between Sorrenti and Byrne revealed discussions about equipment delivery, fixing press malfunctions, and even guidance on producing illegal drugs like Etizolam.
In June 2022, Sorrenti was arrested at his home in Swindon by NCA officers, with assistance from Wiltshire Police. During the arrest, pill press stamps, Scottish banknotes, and tablets containing Etizolam and MDMA were recovered. Analysis of the pill press stamps showed a resemblance to branding found on pills seized by Police Scotland from Byrne’s group, providing clear evidence of Sorrenti’s involvement in supplying equipment to criminals.
Despite denying the charges, Sorrenti was found guilty and sentenced to 13 years in prison. NCA Lead Investigator Rory Duffin highlighted Sorrenti’s significant role in providing essential support to organised criminals, enabling the production of large quantities of dangerous drugs. The investigations underscore the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in cracking down on drug-related crimes and ensuring that individuals like Sorrenti face justice for their illicit activities.