Feds Arrest 354 Dark Web Drug Traffickers in Global Operation
U.S. and European agencies arrest over 300 dark web drug dealers in international crackdown.
2 min read
U.S. and European authorities have arrested over 350 dark web drug traffickers in a global operation targeting illegal drug distribution. The Trump administration, in collaboration with Europol, launched Operation TorNado to dismantle networks that use the dark web to smuggle drugs into America. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) released a graphic showing the locations of the arrests, which spanned multiple countries including the Netherlands, Finland, Germany, France, Ireland, the UK, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, Austria, Australia, New Zealand, Montenegro, and the United States.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) detailed the operation’s results, revealing that over $234 million in drugs and weapons were seized. The Department of Justice’s Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement (JCODE) also played a key role in the operation. DEA Administrator Terrance Cole emphasized the threat posed by dark web drug traffickers, stating that they exploit anonymity to distribute fentanyl and other deadly drugs, profiting from addiction and overdose deaths.
Operation TorNado is a follow-up to last year’s Operation RapTor, and U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche reiterated the administration’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks. The DEA highlighted the seizure of valuable assets from dark web platforms such as Bohemia, Archetyp, Kingdom, Nemesis, and Tor2Door. The operation resulted in the seizure of over $234 million in cash and virtual currencies, approximately 5.7 metric tons of illicit drugs, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, and MDMA, 38 pill presses, and 209 firearms.
No safe haven. No hiding place. Operation TorNado led to 354 arrests worldwide and the seizure of 5.7 metric tons of illicit drugs, 209 firearms, and $234M+ in criminal proceeds. @HSI_HQ and global partners are taking down dark web drug traffickers. https://t.co/d80LLyCApw
The DEA also noted that the operation exposed and disrupted trafficking networks, demonstrating the effectiveness of international law enforcement partnerships. Despite the success of the operation, the article raised questions about the determination of Western European nations in addressing other forms of crime, such as Muslim migrant crime.
Source: PJ Media
