Federal law enforcement agencies announced the results of Operation TorNado, detailing an international sweep that led to 354 arrests and the seizure of 5.7 metric tons of illicit drugs across multiple continents.
The Department of Justice, working through the Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement team alongside Europol, targeted criminal networks utilizing dark web marketplaces to distribute fentanyl, opioids, and other controlled substances. The operation marks the sixth and most extensive internationally coordinated action since JCODE was established in 2018, building upon the framework of last year’s Operation RapTor according to court documents released by the Department of Justice.
Authorities executed enforcement actions across the United States, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, focusing on vendors and buyers active on prominent dark web platforms seized by law enforcement, including Archetyp, Bohemia, Nemesis, Kingdom, and Tor2Door.
Authorities Seize $234 Million and Hundreds of Weapons
The coordinated sweep resulted in the seizure of over $234 million in cash and virtual currencies, alongside 38 pill presses and 209 firearms. Investigators identified dark web vendor accounts attributed to individuals operating on markets such as DrugHub and Archetyp, leading to complementary investigations across multiple jurisdictions.
Out of the 354 total arrests, 132 individuals were detained in the United States. International partners reported 59 arrests in the United Kingdom, 45 in Hungary, 41 in Germany, 23 in France, 13 in New Zealand, 12 in the Netherlands, 11 in Slovenia, six in Austria, five in Ireland, four in Czechia, and two in Australia.
“Nothing will stop the Trump Administration from identifying and dismantling drug trafficking networks,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Federal officials emphasized that the operation targeted the financial infrastructure underpinning online narcotics distribution. IRS Criminal Investigation agents tracked complex virtual currency schemes to unmask anonymous operators.
“Operation TorNado is the largest interagency takedown of Dark Web drug vendors and buyers to date, resulting in 354 arrests worldwide, including 132 in the United States,” said FBI Director Kash Patel.
Federal Prosecutions Across Districts
The investigation, spanning from May 2025 to October 2026, resulted in dozens of federal prosecutions nationwide. In Florida, authorities arrested Stanislav Chernyshov and Vladislav Chernyshov for allegedly operating the dark web vendor account “BarbaraWhite,” which distributed counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with synthetic nitazenes. Law enforcement linked the brothers to a pill-manufacturing operation responsible for parcels shipped across 49 states.
In North Carolina, Alexander Green was arrested in June 2026 for operating the STARLABS Cyber-Enabled Drug Trafficking Organization on the Drughub market. Prosecutors in the Southern District of Ohio charged Green in connection with narcotics distribution linked to two overdose deaths.
Additional federal cases involve defendants across California, New Jersey, New York, Georgia, and Florida, involving large-scale seizures of methamphetamine, cocaine, black tar heroin, and fentanyl.
Worth a look
Essentia Health Urgent Care-45th Street Offers Walk-in Services
Patients seeking treatment for minor illnesses and injuries in Fargo can walk into the Essentia Health Urgent Care-45th...
Albany Loses to Pierz in Class 3a State Quarterfinals
On the first play from scrimmage at Monticello High School, senior quarterback Cohen Habben pitched an option read...
Primary Care Coordination ranks among the worst performance areas for the Albuquerque VA
Primary Care Coordination ranks among the worst performance areas for the Albuquerque VA, contributing to delays in veteran...
NYC Weather Forecast: Raw, Windy Friday With Rain and Snow Chances North of the City
A raw, windy Friday brings the coldest air of the season to the Tri-State region, featuring heavy downpours,...