Texas Played A Role In Massive International Drug Sting In 2023

Earlier this year, Texas found itself wrapped up in a massive international drug sting that spanned three continents. The operation was aimed at taking down marketplaces on the dark web that were used to buy and sell opioids and fentanyl, among other narcotics.

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Operation SpecTor, Drug Markets, And Texas

Operation SpecTor, the name referring to the Tor browser, was carried out by law enforcement agencies spanning North America, South America, and Europe. Around $53.4 million in cash and cryptocurrencies was seized. Also seized were 117 firearms and 850 kilograms of drugs, of which 64 kilograms were fentanyl or fentanyl-laced narcotics.

How Did Texas Play Into Operation SpecTor?

According to reports, two instances included Texas. One incident had Texas as a sub-distributor for a massive network dealing methamphetamine. The other one sounded like something straight out of a big-budget Hollywood movie.

The first incident supposedly disrupted the distribution network of a cartel. The multi-state network originated in California and spread into the Midwest. There were allegedly sub-distributors found to be in the Lone Star State.

The second incident supposedly involved an underground tunnel from Mexico into the U.S. The report states that the tunnel was equipped with lights, a rail system, and contained millions upon millions of dollars worth of narcotics, weapons, cash, and cryptocurrency.

Not The First Time, And Definitely Not The Last

This isn't the first time law enforcement agencies have disrupted marketplaces and made arrests over the sale of drugs on the dark web. There have been many stories and headlines over the past several years of those who run these marketplaces and use them to sell narcotics of being caught by law enforcement.

Law enforcement agencies are relentless in their pursuit of those running these marketplaces, those who use them to sell narcotics, and those who are helping launder the money made. According to law enforcement officials, it's just a matter of time until they catch these criminals no matter where they hide on the web.