Anti-Drugs Agency Makes Largest Seizure Of LSD 'Blots' In Single Operation, Busts Pan-India 'Dark Web' Trafficking

A nationwide drug trafficking ring operating via the 'dark web' and utilising cryptocurrency has been dismantled by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).

More than 15,000 blots of the synthetic hallucinogenic drug LSD have been seized, and six individuals have been detained.

NCB's Deputy D G Gyaneshwar Singh said the agency seized the largest-ever quantity of LSD 'blots' in a single operation on Tuesday (6 June).

The network operated on the 'dark web' (or 'dark net), used crypto payments, and had no physical contact between buyer and seller, Singh explained.

The 'dark web' is a secretive part of the internet where illegal items are sold, and illegal content and other criminal activities occur.

The drugs network busted by the NCB was spread across Delhi, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and abroad in Poland, the Netherlands, and the US.

Officials also seized 2.5 kg of marijuana and currency worth Rs 24.65 lakh.

A 'blot' is a small piece of paper, half a stamp size, for discreetly carrying and consuming the drug, making it hard to track for authorities.

Over 2,500 times the commercial quantity of LSD was recovered, with 0.1 gram being the possession threshold.

Karnataka Police and NCB Kolkata previously seized 5,000 LSD blots in separate operations — the highest recorded before this recent seizure.

Only recently, a joint operation between the NCB and Indian Navy led to the seizure of drugs worth Rs 25,000 crore, off the coast of Kerala last month.

More than 2,500 kg of methamphetamine was discovered by authorities.

Goa's multi-drug cartel was shut down by the anti-drugs agency in a two-week operation, resulting in a significant seizure in April.

Two Russians and one other person were arrested. Drugs, foreign currency, and fake IDs were seized.

Cash worth over Rs 6.4 lakh, in Indian and other currencies, was found.