The U.S. Department of Justice recently announced that law enforcement officials in the U.S. and Europe have arrested 150 people and seized more than $31 million in an international drug trafficking investigation stemming from sales on the darknet, according to a press release.
"Operation Dark HunTor spanned 10 months, three continents and more than 12 international law enforcement agencies," Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco said in the press release. "The graphic you see on screen reflects what can be achieved through global cooperation — including the recovery of more than 500 pounds of illegal drugs, which contained enough fentanyl for more than four million lethal doses. This operation seized nearly $32 million in cash and virtual currencies — the largest JCODE seizure to date."
ABC News reports that included in the slew of illegal drugs, investigators recovered counterfeit medication and opioid pills, along with more than 152 kilograms of amphetamine, 21 kilograms of cocaine and 32.5 kilograms of MDMA, according to prosecutors.
"The FBI continues to identify and bring to justice drug dealers who believe they can hide their illegal activity through the darknet," FBI Director Christopher A. Wray said.
The DOJ says that investigations will continue into uncovering the identities of other individuals behind darknet accounts.
"Before I close, I want to address those who remain on the darknet, peddling illegal drugs and thinking they are safe behind layers of digital anonymity," Monaco said. "My message to you is simple: there is no dark internet. We can and we will shine a light. The agencies you see here and the thousands of the law enforcement professionals they represent will bring to bear all of their resources to protect our citizens and hold you accountable."
Those arrested include 65 people in the U.S., 47 in Germany, 24 people in the United Kingdom, four in Italy, four in the Netherlands, three in France, two in Switzerland and one person in Bulgaria.
