One of the largest dark web drug trafficking rings in Canadian history shut down

One of the largest known dark web drug trafficking operations in Canadian history has been shut down.

The RCMP said it has dismantled the operation in a “landmark, multi-agency investigation.”

The investigation led to multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal drugs, the RCMP said on Thursday.

The dark web is a hidden and encrypted part of the internet that is not accessible by regular search engines. It requires special software in order to access, and is often used to facilitate criminal activity, such as the sale of illegal drugs, weapons, and other illicit goods and services, the RCMP said.

Following the takedown of a dark web marketplace by German authorities, the RCMP said it was contacted regarding several Canadian-based users linked to suspected drug trafficking.

One of these referrals led to an investigation in Vancouver, which was subsequently transferred to the Serious and Organized Crime Unit in Milton, Ontario, due to the nature and scope of the suspected criminal activity, police said.

The RCMP worked with FINTRAC, JCAT Europol (an international cybercrime taskforce), and Canada Post Security to analyze the data from the takedown of the dark web platform.

Police said they identified a Canadian-based drug vendor known as “RoadRunna,” which was “a sophisticated criminal enterprise” that used dark web platforms to distribute illegal drugs across Canada.

RoadRunna shipped around 400 packages weekly across the country, and multiple people were directly involved in the operation, police said.

The execution of several search warrants led to the seizure of 75 kilograms of various narcotics (including cocaine, MDMA, meth, heroin, and ketamine), 10,000 tablets of prescription and non-prescription pills, a number of electronic devices, and drug distribution materials, including “RoadRunna” branded packaging, police said.

The RCMP arrested and charged the following individuals:

• Raphael Magdales, 40, of Toronto, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to traffic drugs, and one count of possession of proceeds of crime.
• Kevin Lau, 30, of Brampton, was charged with two counts of drug trafficking, two counts of conspiracy to traffic drugs, and four counts of possession of a prohibited weapon.
• Richard Tat, 31, of Brampton, was charged with eight counts of drug trafficking, and eight counts of conspiracy to traffic drugs.
• Calvin But, 32, of North York, was charged with four counts of drug trafficking, and four counts of conspiracy to traffic drugs.
• Daneil Matti, 31, of Brampton, was charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, and conspiracy to traffic drugs.
• Matthew Wong, 46, of Scarborough, was charged with conspiracy to traffic drugs.
• Tommy Tao, 30, of Mississauga, was charged with conspiracy to traffic drugs.

Photos: RCMP