Major Dark Web Drug Bust Sees 150 Arrested Across Multiple Countries
In a massive six-month crackdown, the National Crime Agency (NCA) led a coordinated international operation that seized over £220,000 in suspected criminal cash and bitcoin, alongside more than 50 kilos of deadly drugs including cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, methamphetamine, and ketamine.
Dark HunTOR Operation Targets Global Dark Web Crime Network
The undercover operation, codenamed Dark HunTOR, kicked off after German authorities arrested the alleged operator of a major dark web marketplace earlier this year. This breakthrough gave police access to a sprawling criminal network, allowing them to share intelligence worldwide.
Countries involved included Australia, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United States. Europol and Eurojust spearheaded the international coordination.
Staggering Haul: Millions Seized, Hundreds of Kilograms of Drugs Confiscated
- 150 suspects arrested so far
- More than €26.7 million (USD 31 million) in cash and virtual currency seized
- 234kg of drugs confiscated, including 152kg of amphetamines, 27kg of opioids, and 25,000 ecstasy pills
- 45 firearms taken off the streets
UK’s Dark Web Intelligence, Collection and Exploitation (DICE) team—made up of NCA and police experts—tracked down the highest risk dealers in Britain. Regional Dark Web Operations Teams then swooped in, arresting those peddling illegal goods online.
Law Enforcement Vows to Keep Fighting Dark Web Crime
“The individuals we have targeted who are supplying drugs via the dark web are ultimately preying on the vulnerable and destroying communities,” said Damian Barrow, Senior NCA Manager in DICE. “This operation shows that those who try to use the dark web to anonymously commit crimes can be identified and will be tracked down.” “We thank all partners involved, especially Europol, Eurojust, and UK police forces and ROCUs.”
Phil Donnelly, National Cybercrime Programme lead for the Darkweb, added: “This successful operation shows the impact law enforcement is having on the criminal use of the dark web and encrypted platforms. Our joint work with European partners is helping us unmask offenders hiding behind technology and bring them to justice.”
Europol’s Deputy Executive Director of Operations, Jean-Philippe Lecouffe, warned:
“Operations like this send a clear message: criminals on the dark web will be unmasked and held accountable. Our global partnerships give law enforcement the reach to fight crime—even in the darkest corners of the internet.”
