Kochi: Edison Babu, hailing from Muvattupuzha in Ernakulam district, has been arrested for allegedly operating one of India’s largest dark web-based drug trafficking networks.

According to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the 29-year-old carried out more than 700 transactions under the alias 'Ketamelon', using encrypted platforms to sell narcotics across the country.

NCB officials suspect that between 2022 and 2024, Edison may have handled drug transactions worth between ₹5 crore and ₹10 crore. He was taken into custody earlier this week.

The authorities seized 1,127 LSD blotters, 131.66 grams of ketamine, cryptocurrency worth ₹70 lakh, a hardware wallet, and a laptop. The NCB also found that Edison had set up a special room in his house to facilitate these illegal online operations.

The NCB uncovered a well-structured international supply chain involving the dark web. Here’s how the operation worked:

1. Sourcing: Edison procured LSD from an international network known as Dr. Soyuz, with payments made through cryptocurrency.

2. Delivery: The drugs were shipped to India via international postal services and then distributed to buyers through domestic courier services.

3. Distribution: Parcels were sent to cities including Bengaluru, Chennai, Bhopal, Patna, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Buyers remained unaware of Edison’s identity or location.

4. Concealment Tactics: Edison used different courier services and city locations for each shipment to avoid detection.

5. Breakthrough: On June 28, customs officials grew suspicious of three foreign mail parcels addressed to Edison. The NCB was alerted, which led to a deep probe. Investigators eventually traced the digital trail, decrypted dark web codes, and arrested Edison.

What is the dark web?

The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that cannot be accessed through regular browsers like Google Chrome or search engines. It requires special tools such as the Tor browser and advanced configurations. Transactions on the dark web are encrypted, making it difficult to trace or monitor.