This is important because cryptocurrency and blockchain often intersect with some of the more nefarious corners of our online lives. A big recent bust by India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) underscores this grim reality. Code-named “Operation MELON,” this high-stakes probe resulted in a surprising breakthrough. Our agents were able to...
The NCB has successfully taken down a large darknet drug cartel. During the raid, they arrested two other suspects that included the Muvattupuzha native who was said to be the kingpin of the operation. The high-stakes operation, which was subsequently code-named ‘Operation MELON,’ was an unbelievable success. Crypto assets worth...
The NCB’s “Operation MELON” bust in Cochin isn’t your average run-of-the-mill drug bust. It's a blaring alarm, a flashing red light screaming: India, wake up! The crypto-fueled darknet drug market is not only present but extremely sophisticated. We're not talking about back-alley deals; we're talking about a globally connected, digitally...
You see the headlines: “NCB Busts Darknet Drug Ring!” “Crypto Seized!” What's the real story? It's not just about drugs and digital money. It's about the insidious erosion of national security and the future of responsible innovation in India. First, we have to peel back the sensationalism and address the...
The darknet lies deep within the underbelly of the internet, acting as an underground exchange for all manners of illegal conduct. Of these, drug trafficking is one of its most violent and horrible trades. A few months ago, Indian authorities scored a huge win, busting an elaborate darknet drug syndicate...
The NCB’s destruction of the “Ketamelon” drug syndicate. Unfortunately, this act acts as a jarring reminder that the darknet continues to flourish as a refuge for all things illicit. The seizure of LSD, Ketamine and ₹1 crore in Cryptocurrency is substantial. But before we rush to demonize crypto as the...
The recent NCB takedown of "Ketamelon," India's supposed top-tier darknet drug vendor, isn't just another headline about illicit online activity. This is a bright spotlight on crypto’s double-edged sword and an important opportunity for India to determine how it will approach the regulation of this technology in the future. We...
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has busted a big international drug syndicate active on the darknet named ‘Ketamelon. In the joint operation, they confiscated a significant haul of drugs and cryptocurrency. The Cochin zonal unit intercepted three postal parcels seized on June 28th. Inside, they discovered a jaw-dropping 280,000 LSD...
