Twin Brothers Ran £400K Drug Empire with Mum’s Cannabis Bakes
Twin brothers turned drug kingpins ran a £400K cannabis empire with sales tactics straight out of a corporate playbook—complete with loyalty schemes, daily deals, and home-baked edibles cooked up by their own mother.
By Ben Freeman
Twin brothers Bradley and Brendan Vidovic, along with their mother Paula Vidovic, have been convicted and sentenced for their involvement in an illicit cannabis operation that generated an estimated £400,000 in revenue over a 16-month period. The operation, which involved the manufacture and distribution of cannabis-laced edibles, was dismantled following an investigation by Essex Police that uncovered a highly structured and profitable drug enterprise.
The court heard that the brothers, both 25 and residing at Straight Road, Colchester, left legitimate employment to focus entirely on their drug business, operating five days a week with structured hours while taking Wednesdays and Sundays off. They marketed their products—including herbal cannabis, cannabis-infused cookies, and gummy bear sweets—through direct messaging to a customer base, employing sales techniques such as "deals of the day," multi-buy discounts, and loyalty incentives.
The enterprise was largely facilitated by their mother, Paula Vidovic, who was responsible for baking the cannabis edibles. Financial investigations revealed that profits from the business flowed between the three defendants’ bank accounts. Despite claims by the defence that the total proceeds were closer to £230,000, police estimated that the operation generated £400,000 in illicit revenue.
The investigation commenced in July 2021 when officers observed Brendan Vidovic engaging in drug-related activity in the London Road area of Colchester. Upon stopping his vehicle, police discovered cannabis, a knife, and £200 in cash.
A subsequent search of the family home led to the seizure of additional drug-related paraphernalia, cannabis with an estimated street value of £12,000, and £3,500 in cash. Further investigative efforts revealed extensive communications between the brothers and their customer base, detailing the structure of their supply chain and the extent of their commercial operation.
In July 2024, both brothers pleaded guilty at Ipswich Crown Court to charges of possession with intent to supply a Class B drug and being concerned in the supply of a Class B drug. Bradley Vidovic also admitted possession of a knife, while Brendan Vidovic pleaded guilty to acquiring, using, or possessing criminal property. Paula Vidovic admitted to being concerned in the supply of a Class B drug.
Bradley and Brendan Vidovic were each sentenced to two years and six months in prison. Paula Vidovic received a 21-month suspended sentence with a curfew requirement restricting her movements between 4:00 PM and 8:00 AM for nine months.
Following their convictions, the defendants were subjected to confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act. At a subsequent hearing at Ipswich Crown Court, financial investigators presented findings detailing the financial benefit each defendant derived from the enterprise.
The court determined that Bradley Vidovic benefited to the sum of £48,190.99 and was ordered to pay £27,514.32 within three months or face a 12-month custodial term. Brendan Vidovic was found to have benefited by £60,563.35 and was ordered to pay £10,291.12 within three months or serve six months in prison.
Paula Vidovic was determined to have profited by £28,149.81 and was required to repay £15,400.91, with a default custodial sentence of nine months in the event of non-payment. Additionally, she was ordered to pay £1,000 in prosecution costs.
The proceeds of crime investigation revealed the extent of the financial structure, with profits passing through multiple accounts and a methodical approach to revenue management. Essex Police highlighted the sophisticated nature of the operation and the deliberate transition by the defendants from lawful employment to full-time criminal activity.
The sentencing and confiscation orders mark the conclusion of a protracted investigation that exposed a highly organised drug operation. The enforcement action, which included the application of the Proceeds of Crime Act, ensures that the defendants not only face custodial and financial penalties but are also stripped of the illicit gains acquired through their criminal enterprise.
Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all, stay safe, and I’ll see you then.
