Indian authorities have shut down the country’s biggest online drug operation, allegedly run by a 35-year-old mechanical engineer from Kerala.
The man, identified as Edison from Muvattupuzha, was arrested on July 1 after months of surveillance. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) carried out the arrest under a plan called “MELON”.
Officers found more than 1,100 LSD blotters, over 130 grams of ketamine, and cryptocurrency worth around ₹70 lakh (about $82,000).
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Edison is accused of running the network for nearly two years under the name “Ketamelon”.
According to officials, he ordered drugs from overseas suppliers, including a UK-based seller called “Gunga Din”, one of the largest lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) providers globally.
He then mailed packages to buyers in major cities such as Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, and areas in Himachal Pradesh. Records suggested that he sent more than 600 shipments while keeping his identity hidden.
Reports stated that Edison moved his earnings through Monero
$320.14
, a cryptocurrency known for its privacy features that conceal transaction details.
The investigation took four months. Officers tracked shipments, monitored online forums, and followed cryptocurrency trails before linking the orders back to Edison’s home.
Officials stated that while Kerala usually sees under 1,000 LSD blotters seized in a whole year, Edison alone was allegedly selling close to 10,000 each month.
Recently, five suspects were arrested in Spain for a crypto fraud scheme that stole nearly $540 million from over 5,000 victims. How did the case unfold? Read the full story.
Having completed a Master’s degree in Economics, Politics, and Cultures of the East Asia region, Aaron has written scientific papers analyzing the differences between Western and Collective forms of capitalism in the post-World War II era.With close to a decade of experience in the FinTech industry, Aaron understands all of the biggest issues and struggles that crypto enthusiasts face. He’s a passionate analyst who is concerned with data-driven and fact-based content, as well as that which speaks to both Web3 natives and industry newcomers.Aaron is the go-to person for everything and anything related to digital currencies. With a huge passion for blockchain & Web3 education, Aaron strives to transform the space as we know it, and make it more approachable to complete beginners.Aaron has been quoted by multiple established outlets, and is a published author himself. Even during his free time, he enjoys researching the market trends, and looking for the next supernova.
