Dark web drug gang smashed after raids

POLICE INVESTIGATING a gang selling large quantities of ecstasy around the world on the dark web said they have “dismantled” it following a series of raids.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) began inquiries last summer after parcels of MDMA destined for Europe, Asia and the US were intercepted.

Officers analysed encrypted messages to identify individuals involved in selling the drugs and laundering money using cryptocurrency.

The agency said 198lbs of MDMA, 295lbs of amphetamine and more than 6,000 Diazepam/ alprazolam tablets, with a combined street value of £4.3m, have been recovered during the investigation.

Two men, aged 24 and 31, were arrested on Thursday in South Shields and Hebburn, South Tyneside, on suspicion of importing and supplying Class A, B and C drugs.

An address in Epsom, Surrey, was also searched, along with other addresses in South Shields.

Officers also seized mobile phones, computers and drug packaging paraphernalia in an operation which was supported by US law enforcement.

Officers discovered the drugs were being imported from Holland and then sold on the dark web under four handles –HundredsUK, Hundredsandthousands, Sundaefundae, and 100and1000s.

NCA operations manager Martin Clarke said: “This action against an organised crime group supplying drugs via the dark web has dismantled a well-established operation. We have worked closely with partners in the US to target the individuals involved.”