New Delhi: In a major crackdown on narcotics trafficking through the darknet, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has dismantled “Ketamelon,” believed to be India’s most prolific darknet-based drug syndicate. The high-impact operation, codenamed “MELON,” led to significant drug and digital asset seizures, exposing the scale of the network's reach and sophistication.

As per officials, Ketamelon was the only Level 4 darknet vendor operating in India, a top-tier status based on global darknet vendor rankings. The syndicate has been active for the past two years, sourcing LSD and ketamine from international vendors and distributing them across major Indian cities, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Bhopal, Patna, and several regions in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

The NCB recovered 1,127 LSD blots and 131.66 grams of ketamine, with an estimated street value of around ₹35.12 lakh. The operation also led to the seizure of digital assets worth ₹70 lakh, including a hardware wallet holding cryptocurrency (USDT), a pen drive containing the darknet-accessible KITES OS, multiple crypto wallets, hard disks with incriminating material, and access credentials to custodial wallets on platforms like Binance.

The breakthrough began with the interception of 280 LSD blots from three postal parcels in Kochi on June 28. Subsequent raids at the suspect's residence on June 29 led to the discovery of the remaining drugs and digital evidence. Both the suspect and his associate have been taken into custody.

According to investigators, Ketamelon derived its name from its early operations involving ketamine smuggling. The drugs were reportedly sourced from a UK-based darknet vendor, “Gunga Din,” known as a reshipper for the infamous global LSD supplier "Dr Seuss" or “Tribe Seuss”, believed to be the world’s largest LSD distributor.

The NCB highlighted the scale of the operation: over 600 shipments were delivered across India in just 14 months, marking Ketamelon as a significant player in darknet-based drug supply chains.

This isn't NCB’s first darknet crackdown. In 2023, the agency dismantled “Zambada,” then considered the largest LSD cartel in India, seizing over 29,000 LSD blots, 472 grams of MDMA, ₹51.38 lakh in cash, and arresting 14 individuals. Zambada was known for having a rare 5-star vendor rating in India and was reportedly in coordination with Dr Seuss to expand operations.

On darknet platforms, drug syndicates are rated between 1 and 5 stars based on the potency of their products and customer service. LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), commonly known as acid or blots, is a powerful hallucinogen that distorts perceptions of time, space, and senses. Users often report “hearing” colors or “seeing” sounds due to their intense psychological effects.

“This seizure exemplifies NCB's commitment to successfully dismantle the supply of synthetic drugs facilitated via the darknet and cryptocurrency channels to accomplish the vision of a Drug-Free India,” the agency said in a statement.

The NCB also urged citizens to report any narcotics-related activity by calling the MANAS – National Narcotics Helpline at 1933, assuring that the identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential.