Police arrested 354 people across 14 countries in Europol-coordinated Operation TorNado, a May 2025 to October 2026 crackdown on dark-web drug vendors and buyers. Officers seized almost one tonne of drugs in Europe, including cannabis, plus over 4.8 tonnes of drugs, 152 firearms and US$166 million in cash and cryptocurrency in the United States.
🇺🇸 Washington, United States (announcement of global Operation TorNado across 14 countries) · United States
United States and European officials said police arrested 354 people in a global
crackdown on dark-web users.[1]Europol coordinated the worldwide sting,
codenamed Operation TorNado, with other authorities between May 2025 and October
2026, leading to hundreds of raids worldwide.[1]Most arrests were in the
United States (132), followed by Britain (59), Hungary (45), Germany (41) and
France (23).[1]
In Europe, authorities seized almost one tonne of drugs including amphetamines,
ketamine, MDMA, cocaine and cannabis.[1]In the United States, more than 4.8
tonnes of drugs were found, along with 152 firearms and US$166 million in cash
and cryptocurrency.[1]Police forces in 14 countries took part in the
operation.[1]
FBI Deputy Director Christopher Raia said Operation TorNado addressed
trafficking in fentanyl and other deadly drugs via the dark web.[1]Europol
said the operation highlighted the resilience of fast-evolving dark-web markets
that keep adapting despite takedowns.[1]Raia said Operation TorNado should
stand as a warning to anyone using the dark web to sell fentanyl, synthetic
opioids and other dangerous drugs.[1]
Case data
Every number and detail the sources state, with the sources that state it.
No separate weight for the cannabis within the almost one tonne of drugs seized in Europe was published in this source.
The 5.8-tonne headline total combines European and United States seizures that mix cannabis with fentanyl, amphetamines, ketamine, MDMA, cocaine and other drugs, so no combined total is recorded as cannabis.
The headline gives 350 arrests while the article text gives 354; this report uses the text figure of 354.
No charges, court outcomes or further details on those arrested were reported.
The operation ran from May 2025 to October 2026 and officials spoke the day before the 13 November 2026 publication, so 12 November 2026 is used as the announcement date.
Catawba County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 24-year-old Jaivon Daquan Burch on 11 November 2026 and charged him with possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver marijuana. He was also charged with felony maintaining a place for a controlled substance and marijuana paraphernalia, and is held under no bond.
Runando Edghill of Port Charlotte was arrested on 10 November 2026 on more than 20 drug-related charges after Charlotte County Sheriff's Office detectives made undercover purchases from him over two months. The agency said the buys yielded 45.9 grams of marijuana along with cocaine and oxycodone pills, and Edghill was held on a $277,000 bond.
Rockingham police charged 22-year-old Aric Lamont Ray Jr. with felony marijuana and firearm counts after a 10 November 2026 traffic stop, alleging he had 188 grams of marijuana in five bags, a digital scale, rolling papers and cigarillos, and a .38 revolver. He was held in the Richmond County Jail on a $65,000 secured bond ahead of a 19 November court appearance.
Bentley police arrested Nathan Whorton, 52, on 10 November 2026 after searching a home near the city and finding a suspected indoor marijuana growing operation. Officers seized about 7 pounds (3.2 kg) of processed marijuana among more than 350 items of evidence, and an infant and a 17-year-old from the home were referred to child welfare services.
