In a high-stakes operation codenamed “MELON”, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) recently dismantled India’s most prolific darknet drug syndicate, “Ketamelon”. Founded in 2014, BriansClub remains one of the oldest and most infamous dark web markets for stolen credit cards, fullz (complete identity kits), and dumps. Investigations revealed he had a deep understanding of darknet culture, advanced digital security, and international drug sourcing. His primary supplier was a UK-based darknet dealer known as “Gunga Din,” believed to be part of a global LSD smuggling ring.
The LSD blots (a small piece of absorbent paper impregnated with lysergic acid diethylamide, or LSD) seized by NCB sleuths bore the imprint Gunga Din and Rudyard Kipling. In recent years, NCB officials have observed that each consignment of LSD — a psychedelic drug — bears the imprint (name or symbol) of the main supplier. A key addition to this strategy is “Grapnel”, an AI-based software tool designed to track activities on the dark web in real time. Grapnel scans and indexes hidden websites and forums, flagging potential threats such as drug sales, child exploitation content, counterfeit currency, and hacking services. In a case that has shocked authorities and digital security experts alike, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has uncovered India’s largest dark web drug syndicate, run by a 29-year-old man from Kerala. The syndicate, which went by the name “Ketamelon”, used the dark web to sell drugs like LSD and Ketamine across the country.
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While some of these markets were shuttered by law enforcement agencies – some took the easy way out with exit scams. Here are some of the now-defunct dark web markets that were notorious for cybercrime. Apart from the dark web markets that are operating online today, some raided platforms influenced many markets. Some are looking for illegal stuff they can’t buy elsewhere, like drugs or counterfeit documents. These sites cater to cybercriminals seeking valuable data, such as credit card numbers, login credentials, and personal information.
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While digital privacy is a right deserving strong protection, its potential misuse to shield illegal activity presents a formidable challenge. Regulators and financial technology experts must navigate these stormy waters carefully, balancing privacy concerns with security imperatives. Edison’s operations were highly sophisticated, involving the use of advanced encryption tools and Monero’s privacy features to evade detection. He placed orders for large quantities of LSD on the darknet, using fake addresses and SIM cards to avoid arrest. Once the drugs arrived, he would directly approach the courier office to receive the parcel.
- Shah said the success was a result of a “great coordination between cyber vigilance and human intelligence…As the darknet and cryptocurrencies were used to trade these drugs”.
- An operation was launched on April 19, which led to the detection of the second largest cartel with the seizure of about 15,000 LSD blots, 44 gm of MDMA and seizure/freezing of drug money amounting to ₹24.65 lakh.
- It is painted or dipped into stamps and licked or swallowed by users.
- In fact, by 2013, a Guardian article revealed that about 70% of listings were drug-related.
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Still, even with these crackdowns and better defenses, dark web markets just keep coming back. As long as people want to buy and sell illegal stuff online, be it stolen data, narcotics, drugs, or malware, these markets will keep resurfacing, no matter how many times authorities take them down. To deal with the growing issue of drug trafficking through digital means, the Centre has established a Special Task Force on Darknet and cryptocurrency.
- In the end, he was sentenced to life in prison for running one of the largest and most scandalous dark web cases in history.
- “The modus operandi of the drug traffickers included the use of Darknet, cryptocurrency, digital media, UPIs and fake KYC documents as well as post and courier services,” the sources said.
- The NCB has been closely tracking cryptocurrency payments linked to the purchase of narcotics as part of its broader strategy to curb drug trafficking in the country.
- Now, that is not to say illegal behavior is completely beyond detection.
- Despite growing crackdowns from law enforcement agencies, the dark web remains a hotbed of criminal activity, offering everything from drugs to stolen data.
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Binance’s intelligence bridged significant gaps between digital trails and on-ground authorities. This assistance not only allowed for the identification of suspects, but also demonstrated how law enforcement and industry can work together to dismantle tech-enabled criminal activities. The operation unmasked Edison Babu, a former engineer from Kerala, as the mastermind behind a sprawling online drug empire disguised as an e-commerce business. Investigations revealed that “Ketamelon” was India’s only Level 4 darknet vendor—a top-tier status in India—operating actively over the past two years.
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There is no need to visit darknet marketplaces yourself to know whether your data was leaked. If you think the Dark web marketplaces are just online shops, you’re wrong — these sites are the actual weapon stores for criminals. They provide criminals with access to everything they need, from launching attacks to stealing data, etc. Ulbricht faced several serious charges, including distributing illegal drugs, running a criminal enterprise, hacking, trafficking fake IDs, and money laundering.
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The Ketamelon case has highlighted both the opportunities and dangers of modern technology. While digital anonymity has opened new doors for crime, it has also forced law enforcement agencies to adopt cutting-edge methods to stay ahead. The police confirmed that Grapnel and Cyber Dome’s expanded surveillance network had already identified at least 25 other suspected dark web traffickers in Kerala earlier this year.
Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle. The agency noted that while Kerala typically sees fewer than 1,000 LSD blots seized annually, Edison was allegedly distributing around 10,000 LSD blots across the country each month. Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in india news andworld News on Zee News. A supplier based in Jaipur and a man from Kerala have also been arrested, he said. NCB zonal director (Delhi) Gyanendra Kumar Singh said those arrested are mostly educated and are young. “The suppliers and consumers intercepted by us had no personal interaction and every contact was on the darknet,” Singh said.
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The man running the operations in India was in close contact with a darknet operator named Dr. Seuss aka DS, TS (Tribe Seuss) and Gamma Goblin, who is allegedly the largest source of LSD across the globe. “It is the largest cartel of LSD based on volume of business and supply chain. This cartel comprises young educated men in the age bracket of years…various web series on OTT platforms inspired their mode of operations. Local media reported that Edison was “currently the largest darknet vendor of drugs in India,” sourcing narcotics primarily from UK-based vendor “Gunga Din,” believed to be the world’s largest LSD supplier. A similar darknet-based drugs trafficking racket was unearthed by the agency in 2021 leading to the arrest of 40 persons.
Dr.Seuss AKA DS and TS (Tribe Seuss) were coordinating with the kingpin of Zambada cartel with plans to open outlets in India,” the NCB said. In order to identify those linked to the darknet-based drug trafficking cartels, special teams were formed by the NCB’s Delhi zonal unit. An operation was launched on April 19, which led to the detection of the second largest cartel with the seizure of about 15,000 LSD blots, 44 gm of MDMA and seizure/freezing of drug money amounting to ₹24.65 lakh.
However, in June 2025, BidenCash’s relevant domains (around 145) were seized by the US Department of Justice. Just as there are new entrants, the dark web has its veteran markets too, and Brian’s Club is one such market. It has been in operation for more than a decade since its debut in 2014. Brian’s Club is one of the best place to buy stolen credit card info, including CVVs, dumps, and even full account packages without revealing your identity. From items like drugs, fake ID cards, and hacked bank accounts to more complex offerings like human trafficking, these sites carry all the illegal activities you can think of.
NCB Busts India’s Largest Darknet-based LSD Smuggling Syndicate
Whether you want some pharmaceutical products (drugs) or digital items, you will probably find the products here, and that too at affordable prices. Vice City listens to the problems faced by its customers and vendors and solves them so that they can keep using the platform with ease. To access the marketplace, dark web users must register first and pass the CAPTCHA test to prove they are human. In fact, everything is in English, and the site picks up users everywhere in the world.
“This is the second-largest LSD seizure in India, after the 2023 bust of another five-star-rated darknet cartel. The Muvattupuzha native is suspected to be the kingpin of this sophisticated trafficking network. Investigations are on to identify the end-users and other operatives,” an NCB officer said. The arrest in Kerala sheds light on the scale of operations that can be conducted under the radar with cryptocurrencies.
Anything from planting malware and stealing sensitive files to hijacking email accounts or breaking into social media profiles. One notable fact is that the site has changed its domain twice since its formation. Today, Exodus Marketplace works from 3 different domains, two of which are its mirrors. So, what even is this dark web, and why are these marketplaces present there? Purchases through links on our pages may yield affiliate revenue for us. We review and list tools and products without bias, regardless of potential commissions.
