Michigan Dark Web Drug Vendor Sent to Jail after Authorities Busted Hidden Lab; Used Cryptos as Exchange on Dark Web for Illegal Dealings
Victor Hernandez, the mastermind behind an illicit operation involving the sale of cocaine and counterfeit pills on the dark web, as well as the laundering of funds through cryptocurrency, has been handed a significant sentence of 130 months in federal prison. This decision was announced by United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Victor Hernandez, a 31-year-old resident of Detroit, admitted his guilt in March for participating in a conspiracy involving the distribution of illegal substances. He also pleaded guilty to a conspiracy related to money laundering, as well as his involvement in distributing counterfeit pills and using firearms to further his criminal activities. Hernandez has been ordered to forfeit the proceeds from his crimes, totaling a $3.1 million money judgment.
Carolyn Hernandez-Taylor, the sister of Hernandez, also admitted guilt in the case and received a 60-month prison sentence from Judge Parker earlier this year.
Hernandez operated an underground online marketplace known as “opiateconnect,” where he offered a range of illegal substances, such as cocaine and counterfeit drugs.
These fake pills were designed to resemble alprazolam, which is widely prescribed for managing panic and anxiety disorders in the United States. However, these counterfeit pills were actually unregulated research chemicals that are not intended for human consumption.
After an extensive investigation, federal authorities successfully uncovered the true identity of “opiateconnect” and pinpointed his whereabouts. An investigation resulted in the execution of a search warrant at Hernandez’s residence in Detroit. Agents uncovered a hidden drug lab at the house, capable of manufacturing over 20,000 pills per hour.
In addition to the discovery of several firearms, law enforcement also uncovered a significant amount of illegal substances, including a large quantity of cocaine and counterfeit pills. They also seized a substantial amount of cash and cryptocurrency.
