India has dismantled its most advanced darknet drug empire with its groundbreaking cyber bullets, exposing the hidden battlefields of blockchains, and showing unstoppable enforcement through global crypto exchange collaborations.
Indian Cyber Dragnets Clash with Blockchain
On August 21, Binance shared that it had supported the Indian Drug Control Bureau (NCB) and the Indian Data Security Council (DSCI) to dismantle Ketamelon, the country’s most sophisticated darknet-driven drug network. The operation discovered former Kerala-based engineer Edison Babu as an architect of a drug empire run under the guise of an e-commerce business. Just a few days ago, on August 19th, Binance outlined his involvement in “Operation Melon” in a blog post. It highlighted the growing importance of exchange cooperation in the fight against digital crime. Crypto exchanges have been highlighted:
This landmark takedown provides a window into how drug trafficking has evolved in the blockchain era, and how joint compliance becomes a horrifying line of defense against new threats.
Binance also provided details on Babu’s hidden life and network logistics. Authorities confirmed that over 600 drug packages have been distributed throughout India through postal and courier services. Parcels was linked to international suppliers, including a source named “Gunga Din.” When investigators were shut down, they discovered more than $120,000 in drugs, about $80,000 worth of crypto assets, electronics and packaging materials. Once a former engineering company, Babu temporarily ran a restaurant in Alaba and used encrypted communications, darknet markets and tail OS to hide his activities. Payments were made in privacy-centric digital currencies such as Monero, but investigators stitched together Exchange support and blockchain activity.
The NCB noted that success relies on coordinated cyber and financial information efforts. The blog emphasizes: “As part of the investigation, DSCI and Indian law enforcement agencies worked with global partners, including Binance and other digital platforms, to analyze cryptographic activity related to the network.” More added:
Binance’s compliance and investigation team provided wallet intelligence and analytical support to help identify suspects.
Nils Andersen-Röed, global head of Binance’s Financial Intelligence Unit, said, “Even privacy tools cannot be completely obscured because criminals work in the shadows of the darknet and use privacy coins as they think they are invisible, but inevitably leave digital traces behind. Critics highlight the risks posed by cryptography, but supporters argue that this case shows a dual nature. It can be misused, but it also makes it a powerful tool for enforcement, thanks to the collaboration of transparency and exchange.
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