RCMP bust international 'dark web' drug-trafficking ring in Nanaimo, B.C.
A years-long investigation has led to the arrests of three men who were allegedly running an international "dark web" drug trafficking ring out of Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties say they began an undercover investigation into an online drug vendor called "AlwaysOverweight" in early 2019.
Police say the AlwaysOverweight account was trafficking large amounts of drugs, including meth, cocaine, MDMA, oxycodone, Xanax, and what was listed as heroin but was actually fentanyl mixed with cutting agents.
Mounties say that the account was using encrypted messaging applications and dealing in cryptocurrency to try to stay anonymous.
FINDING THE SOURCE
RCMP describe the dark web as the "third hidden layer" of the internet, after the commonly used "open web" and the second layer of the "deep web."
The dark web requires users to use special internet browsers that mask their internet protocol (IP) addresses, such as Tor Browser, according to RCMP.
Police say they were able to "penetrate the criminal group’s digital barriers" and identify an address in Nanaimo, B.C., as the dark web dealer's physical location.
About a year into the investigation, on Feb. 4, 2020, Mounties arrested three suspects and executed search warrants on two Nanaimo homes.
Police seized a variety of items during the searches, including a range of drugs, drug packaging, cash, computers, data storage devices, assorted documents and mailing envelopes.
Some of the seized items are shown. (RCMP FSOC)
The three men arrested – Kien Trung Pham, Gordon Brooks, and Kerry Chang – are facing a range of drug trafficking charges.
Pham is facing 11 charges of trafficking a controlled substance and four counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.
Meanwhile, Brooks faces seven counts of trafficking a controlled substances and another seven counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Chang has been charged with one count of a trafficking a controlled substance.
The trio are scheduled to appear in Nanaimo provincial court on June 7.
"This is a great example of our ability to quickly adapt and adjust our investigative techniques to meet the rapidly evolving and dynamic world of cybercrime," said Superintendent Richard Bergevin, officer in charge of BC RCMP Federal Policing – Major Projects.
"The dark web is just one of the tools that organized crime uses to avoid detection, and so police need to continuously evolve their technical capabilities to stem the flow of toxic drugs into our communities," he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Person on fire outside Trump's hush money trial rushed away on a stretcher
A person who was on fire in a park outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place has been rushed away on a stretcher.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Police in Paris detain a man wearing fake explosives vest at Iran's Consulate
A man wearing a fake explosive vest and making threats was detained Friday outside the Iranian Consulate in Paris after police locked down the area, authorities said. His motive was unclear.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.