NCB Busts ‘Team Kalki’ Darknet Drug Network Using Cryptocurrency

The Narcotics Control Bureau dismantled a pan-India darknet drug network named “Team Kalki”, exposing the use of cryptocurrency and encrypted platforms for narcotics trafficking.

• Team Kalki operated through encrypted communication platforms and cryptocurrency transactions.

About Darknet

• Darknet refers to the deep hidden internet platform that is used for narcotics sale, exchange of pornographic content and other illegal activities by using the secret alleys of the onion router (ToR) to stay away from the surveillance of law enforcement agencies.
• “Darknet drug syndicate” refers to organized criminal networks that exploit the anonymity of the dark web to traffic narcotics, often using cryptocurrencies for payment and encrypted communication platforms to evade detection by law enforcement. 

About Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)

• The Narcotics Control Bureau is India’s apex agency for combating drug trafficking and illicit drug use.
• Established: 17 March 1986 under Section 4(3) of the NDPS Act, 1985.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.
• Key Functions
• • Coordination: Acts as the nodal agency coordinating central and state enforcement bodies.
  • Intelligence & Enforcement: Collects intelligence and conducts operations against narcotics networks nationwide.
  • International Cooperation: Works with global agencies such as INTERPOL and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to combat transnational drug trafficking.
• Recent Operations on Darknet Drug Syndicate
  • Operation Ketamelon (2025): NCB dismantled a Level-4 Indian darknet drug syndicate led by “Ketamelon”. 
    • Authorities seized LSD, ketamine and ₹70 lakh in cryptocurrency, exposing links to the U.K.-based Dr. Seuss cartel through blockchain analysis and international cooperation.
  • Operation Zambada (2023): NCB busted India’s largest darknet LSD trafficking network, “Zambada Cartel”, seizing over 29,000 LSD blotters and 472 g MDMA, disrupting a crypto-enabled international drug supply chain.

Check Out UPSC CSE Books

Visit PW Store

DOWNLOAD PDF