Two women charged over alleged darknet drug dealing scheme

Two women have been charged over a sophisticated darknet scheme where performance-enhancing drugs were allegedly sold in exchange for cryptocurrency.

An unlikely pair of alleged darknet drug traffickers have been scooped up by police.

Two women, aged 77 and 42, from Hughesdale have been busted in connection to a sophisticated drug dealing scheme operating out of Melbourne.

It’s alleged the pair were involved in a darknet marketplace where addictive and performance-enhancing drugs were sold in exchange for cryptocurrency.

The drug packages were then allegedly disguised and shipped across the nation.

More than 250 parcels containing methylamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and MDMA were intercepted by police, with the assistance of Australia Post, throughout the investigation and be used as evidence in court. 

It is alleged the pair were involved in a darknet marketplace.

Police from Joint Taskforce Icarus raided a Hughesdale property on Wednesday, seizing drugs including speed, ketamine, opium, cocaine, methylamphetamine and steroids.

A large sum of cash, cryptocurrency and a luxury vehicle was also taken.

The two women have been charged with trafficking methamphetamine, amphetamine, ketamine, cocaine, opium, heroin, ecstasy, anabolic steroids and testosterone and dealing with proceeds of crime.

They will appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

Detective Acting Superintendent Damien Jones from the organised crime division said this “21st century” drug trafficking operation highlighted the evolving nature of serious and organised crime in the country. 

“This operation is the 21st century version of drug trafficking, with criminals using technology to enable immense amounts of community harm and misery,” he said.

Police from Joint Taskforce Icarus raided a Hughesdale property on Wednesday. Picture: Australian Border Force

“There may be a perception that trafficking drugs online is a ‘safer’ option or one less likely to lead to detection due to relative anonymity, however this result highlights that this is absolutely not the case.

“This result is a warning that regardless of where you are or where how you operate, we will target those involved in the manufacture and trafficking of illicit drugs and holding them to account.”

Joint Task force Icarus comprises members of the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police and Australian Border Force.

The operation also involved detectives from Trident Taskforce, Cybercrime Squad, Caulfield Divisional Response Unit as well as members from Home Affairs.

Anyone with information about illicit drug activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au