Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, announces a worldwide crackdown on opioid trafficking on the darknet with FBI Director Christopher Wray, center, and DEA Acting Administrator Timothy Shea, during a press conference at the Department of Justice, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020 in Washington. Law enforcement officials have arrested 179 people and seized more than $6.5 million. The operation announced Tuesday mainly occurred in the U.S. and in Europe. Rosen said the takedown showed “there will be no safe haven for drug dealing in cyberspace.” (Olivier Douliery/Pool via AP)
By Michael Balsamo
Law enforcement officials arrested 179 people and seized more than $6.5 million in a worldwide crackdown on opioid trafficking on the darknet, the U.S. Justice Department said Tuesday.
The operation, which mainly occurred in the U.S. and in Europe, comes more than a year after officials took down the "Wall Street Market," which was believed to be one of the largest illegal online marketplaces on the darknet.
The darknet is a part of the internet hosted within an encrypted network and accessible only through specialized anonymity-providing tools, most notably the Tor Browser.
As part of the initiative, law enforcement officials seized over $6.5 million in cash and virtual currency, in addition to 500 kilograms of drugs, the Justice Department said. About 275 kilograms of drugs, including fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, and other opioids, had been seized in the U.S.
The arrests include 121 made in the U.S., two in Canada, 42 in Germany, eight in the Netherlands, four in the United Kingdom, three in Australia, and one in Sweden. The Justice Department said its investigation was ongoing and investigators were still working to identify other individuals behind darknet accounts.
Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen said the takedown showed "there will be no safe haven for drug dealing in cyberspace."
Catching you up on today’s entertainment headlines with the Grammys announcing new categories to be added to the awards show, Johnny Depp and Jeff Beck planning to release an album together, Britney Spears' ex-husband crashing her wedding, and more.
Erika Alexander and Whitney Dow, directors of 'The Big Payback,' join Cheddar News to discuss their new film, 'The Big Payback.' It premieres Saturday, June 11 at the Tribeca Festival.
'Pride Portraits' is a trans-led organization aiming to visually represent the LGBTQ+ community one photograph at a time. Eden Rose Torres, founder and president of Pride Portraits, joins Cheddar News to discuss its participants and the issues the LGBTQ+ community still faces.
The 75th Annual Tony Awards will take place on Sunday, June 12. Cheddar News takes a closer look at who's nominated and what audiences can expect from the ceremony.
On this episode of ChedHER: Global VP of LinkedIn Sales Solutions explains how she leads a 1,000+ person team for LinkedIn's $1 billion business, and gives advice for determining your own unique leadership style; Chief Sales Officer at Xometry, joins ChedHER breaks down why women should consider careers in manufacturing, and what opportunities are available for them in this industry; Founder of Pride Live & Stonewall Day, joins ChedHER talks about the mission and story behind Pride Live, and what to expect from this year's Stonewall Day.
Kathy Mayerhofer, Chief Sales Officer at Xometry, joins ChedHER to discuss why women should consider careers in manufacturing, and what opportunities are available for them in this industry.
Alyssa Merwin, Global VP of LinkedIn Sales Solutions, joins ChedHER to discuss how she leads a 1,000+ person team for LinkedIn's $1 billion business, and gives advice for determining your own unique leadership style.
Diana Rodriguez, Founder of Pride Live & Stonewall Day, joins ChedHER to discuss the mission and story behind Pride Live, and what to expect from this year's Stonewall Day.
Amanda Jones is the TikToker behind the “healthy Coke” recipe. In her viral post, she shared a concoction of balsamic vinegar and La Croix, allegedly something she learned from her pilates instructor and claimed it tastes just like Coca-Cola — only healthier. Jones joined Cheddar News and walked Hena Doba and Ken Buffa through the unusual recipe to have a taste for themselves.
Lower Manhattan's iconic Stone Street is getting a bubbly makeover. Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte will be 'unleashing the bubbles' throughout the month of June in New York City, with themed events, bubble ball pits, and special menu and drink experiences. Anne-Laure Domenichini, director of communications for Champagne Nicholas Feuillatte, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
