India’s NCB & Binance join forces to take down the country’s biggest darknet drug network

In a major breakthrough against crime, India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), with support from the Data Security Council of India (DSCI) and assistance from Binance, dismantled “Ketamelon,” the country’s most sophisticated darknet drug network. The operation unmasked Edison Babu, a former engineer from Kerala, as the mastermind behind a sprawling online drug empire disguised as an e-commerce business.

Binance provided critical investigative support throughout the crackdown, assisting with transaction analysis, identifying wallets associated with the operation, identifying suspects, and freezing illicit digital assets in compliance with applicable legislation. This public-private collaboration demonstrates how blockchain intelligence, combined with exchange cooperation, may transform digital traces into actionable enforcement outcomes.

“Criminals may operate in the shadows of the darknet and use privacy coins thinking they’re invisible, but they inevitably leave digital traces. By leveraging advanced analytics and working hand-in-hand with investigators and other stakeholders, we helped trace and freeze those illicit funds.” — Nils Andersen-Röed, Global Head of Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Binance

“Criminals may operate in the shadows of the darknet and use privacy coins thinking they’re invisible, but they inevitably leave digital traces. By leveraging advanced analytics and working hand-in-hand with investigators and other stakeholders, we helped trace and freeze those illicit funds. Binance remains committed to proactively supporting such operations to ensure bad actors are brought to justice and to keep the crypto ecosystem safe for everyone,” said Nils Andersen-Röed, Global Head of Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Binance.

According to NCB investigations, Babu had quietly established a digital-first narcotics business. Under the identity “Ketamelon,” he received orders on numerous darknet markets, communicated in encryption, and shipped drugs via India’s postal and courier networks.

Authorities estimate that over 600 items were delivered across the country, taking use of postal system flaws to achieve scale and stealth. On the financial side, the network funneled funds through privacy-focused digital assets like Monero, while also using wallet-hopping and obfuscation techniques.

Despite these safeguards, investigators were able to map and analyze on-chain activities, demonstrating that blockchain openness, when combined with industry collaboration, can shatter the illusion of anonymity.

Binance’s compliance and investigations teams performed critical roles in transforming blockchain transparency into enforcement. Binance’s intelligence bridged significant gaps between digital trails and on-ground authorities. This assistance not only allowed for the identification of suspects, but also demonstrated how law enforcement and industry can work together to dismantle tech-enabled criminal activities.

The takedown of Ketamelon exemplifies a new enforcement strategy for India: NCB’s domain leadership, DSCI’s cyber knowledge, and Binance’s blockchain forensics collaborated to dismantle one of the most sophisticated darknet-driven drugs networks found in the country.

Disclaimer: This article is based on a press release and has been published with minimal modifications for clarity and formatting.