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Dark web dealer 'MamaKnowsBrown' ran fentanyl empire from Long Island garage, officials say
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Nov 21, 2025
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Photos courtesy Suffolk County DA's office
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Nov 21, 2025
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A Long Island woman who called herself “MamaKnowsBrown” has pleaded guilty to running a nationwide fentanyl ring from her garage, shipping drugs through the mail and Uber, with cautionary overdose warning cards tucked inside each package, officials said.
The woman, identified by Suffolk County authorities as 46-year-old Carolyn Tolin, sold more than $75,000 worth of cocaine, fentanyl and heroin from her home in Centereach between September 2024 and March 2025, police said.
Tolin entered her guilty plea Thursday, months after law enforcement raided her garage and recovered large quantities of drugs along with computer equipment, cell phones, packaging materials and envelopes in the process of being prepared for shipment.
Prosecutors said Tolin operated a storefront on the dark web called “MamaKnowsBrown,” where customers could buy heroin, fentanyl, and crack or powder cocaine. Buyers paid in cryptocurrency, which Tolin converted into cash. The site offered multiple shipping options and allowed customers to leave feedback and reviews, authorities said.
Each shipment included a printed overdose warning card urging customers to keep Narcan nearby, avoid using alone and to be aware that the drugs were intended for experienced, long-term users due to their potency.
“The scale of the operation that this defendant ran out of her Centereach garage is astounding,” Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said in a statement.
Tolin pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance and attempted operating as a major trafficker. She faces up to 15 years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision.
She has been in custody since her arrest and is scheduled to appear back in court in January.
An attorney representing Tolin did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Tagged
long island
public safety
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
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