Chief Postal Inspector Discusses Operation Dark HunTor

Washington, DC – Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale joined federal and international law enforcement leaders at the Department of Justice on October 26, 2021, to announce the results of Operation Dark HunTor undertaken by the Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement team. The operation was an international coordinated effort spanning multiple continents, which culminated with the arrest of 151 drug traffickers utilizing the dark web, over $31.5 million in cash and cryptocurrency seizures, approximately 258.82 kilograms of drug seizures, as well as 45 firearms seized. Chief Barksdale delivered the following remarks during the press conference.

CHIEF POSTAL INSPECTOR REMARKS ON OPERATION DARK HUNTOR:

Illicit drugs are killing Americans at an alarming rate. The criminals responsible use the dark web and other means to sell
and ship narcotics and other dangerous goods around the world, often relying on the postal system and private carriers
to deliver these illegal products. They are extremely sophisticated, tech-savvy, and are highly capable of adapting
quickly to ever-changing technologies.

It’s critical—now more than ever before—that the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, along with our federal and international
law enforcement partners, cooperate to bring down these dark web sellers and dismantle the marketplaces they use to
promote themselves.

Our efforts have led to identifying and arresting these drug dealers, wherever in the world they may be.

Operation Dark HunTor showcases the work we can accomplish in partnership with our local, state, federal and
international law enforcement counterparts. This international operation has been a methodical, coordinated effort where
we have seen concrete results in arrests, prosecutions, and seizures of narcotics and assets.

We continue to partner and expand efforts with High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area programs and other state and local
task forces across the country to coordinate investigations. Our commitment is two-pronged: to stop those who use the
U.S. Mail to send illegal narcotics and other illegal goods, and also to protect our postal employees. Our delivery
employees, who are unwittingly carrying drug parcels, can become targets of drug dealers. It’s our job to protect them.

Our message is loud and clear to those criminals hiding behind computer screens and those who use the mail to traffic
in illegal narcotics: no matter how anonymous you think you are, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and its law
enforcement partners will find you.

Downloadable PDF

CASE INFORMATION

WATCH FULL PRESS CONFERENCE BELOW:
International Law Enforcement Operation Targeting Opioid Traffickers on the Darknet