Bitcoin-Linked Narcotics Vendor Indicted For Drug Distribution On Dark Web

Narcotics Vendor Indicted: Edison Hernandez, also known as "dragoncove," "originaldragoncove," "theoriginaldragoncove," and "Nino," was charged with distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, as well as delivery and distribution of heroin and cocaine via the internet, in a three-count indictment released in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.  Hernandez's alleged activities on the dark web began in January 2013, according to the first two accusations.

Hernandez, Michael Caruso, and Raymer Ynoa are charged separately in the third count of the indictment with conspiracy to distribute and acquire with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) via a door-to-door drug delivery service.  A further criminal complaint was also released today, accusing Irvin Hernandez of participating in the same door-to-door drug distribution scheme.

The charges against the narcotics vendor were announced by Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Ricky J. Patel, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI); and Daniel B. Brubaker, Inspector-in-Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), New York Division.

The United Attorney Peace stated,

“As alleged, Edison Hernandez went to great lengths to conceal his identity so he could send thousands of packages containing dangerous drugs throughout the country and team up with his co-conspirators to deliver them door-to-door in New York City.”

Mr. Peace thanked the New York City Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigations Division, Drug Enforcement Administration, Nassau County Sheriff's Department & Port Authority of New York, and the New Jersey Police Department for their significant contributions in the indictment of the narcotics vendor and the team.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Patel mentioned,

“Hernandez is alleged to have used complex technology such as the dark web, cryptocurrency, and encrypted messaging applications to conceal his actions. Today’s enforcement actions are examples to high-tech criminals that no matter how well-hidden you believe you are, you are not beyond the reach of the law.”

He further stated,

“HSI and our partners will continue to work tirelessly to keep deadly narcotics out of our communities, no matter where they are sold - on the street corner or from the virtual corners of the dark web.”

Brubaker, the USPIS Inspector-in-Charge of the New York Division, stated - 

“The defendants thought the dark web marketplace would hide their illicit activities, but Postal Inspectors and our law enforcement partners brought their criminal enterprise to light. We are committed to the fight against the illegal sale of dangerous narcotics and will work in coordination with our partner agencies to expose anyone who tries to hide behind the veil of the dark web. We will use every resource available to us to investigate and prosecute anyone who uses the mail for illegal purposes. Today, the defendants learned the hard way that once their crimes left the dark web and entered the real world, Postal Inspectors and our law enforcement partners were there waiting to take them down.”

Background Information About Dark Web Marketplaces

The dark web, a section of the internet that is beyond the reach of regular internet browsers and accessible only via the usage of networks meant to mask user identities, features online markets for drugs and other illicit commodities.  Silk Road, AlphaBay, Dream Market, and Wall Street Market were among the marketplaces that were shut down.

All of these platforms were major worldwide dark web marketplaces that functioned similarly to traditional e-commerce websites but were targeted towards contraband trafficking.  Vendors advertised the sale of illegal drugs and other contraband; customers bought the unlawful narcotics and contraband; purchasers paid for the purchased products with digital currency; and vendors transported the goods via US mail and other modes of delivery.  Users were compelled to trade in digital currencies, particularly Bitcoin (BTC), and the markets did not accept transactions in official, government-backed fiat currency.

Vendors or sellers and purchasers in dark web markets generally used anonymous aliases.  Vendors, on the other hand, earned evaluations from buyers of drugs based on factors such as the quality of contraband, the reliability of delivery, and the volume of activity.  Furthermore, the marketplace managers assigned vendor ranks based on customer feedback.

Edison Hernandez's Dark Web Vendor Campaign

Defendant Edison Hernandez, according to allegations, was a highly rated vendor of illicit substances on Silk Road, AlphaBay, Dream Market, and Wall Street Market.  Hernandez promoted and sold heroin and cocaine to consumers in the United States using several dark web markets being a narcotics vendor from January 2013 to April 2019.

Hernandez hid his illicit conduct by only taking Bitcoin payments and operated under the internet aliases "dragoncove," "originaldragoncove," and "theoriginaldragoncove."  Hernandez used bogus names to send products and prompted buyers to contact him via encrypted chat systems.  

The defendant performed hundreds of deals on Silk Road, AlphaBay, Dream Market, and Wall Street Market, receiving excellent ratings and favourable feedback from purchasers on a regular basis.

Operation Of A Door-To-Door Drug Delivery Service By The Defendants

Defendants Edison Hernandez, Michael Caruso, Raymer Ynoa, and Irvin Hernandez ran a door-to-door drug delivery business in the New York City region between February 2019 and January 2022, according to the indictment and complaint.  The defendants marketed their services as "Nino & Viktor's Pastry Shoppe."  Customers may purchase a variety of narcotics via the site, including cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine, and MDMA.  Customers would buy narcotics using an encrypted messaging app, and a deliveryman would appear later that day to dispense the pills.   

The indictment and complaint include just allegations, and the defendants are deemed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section of the Office is handling the government's case.  The prosecution is led by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Wang, while forfeiture charges are handled by Assistant United States Attorney Madeline O'Connor and Brendan King of the Office's Asset Recovery Section.

Detail Of The Defenders (Narcotics Vendor) In The Case

• EDISON HERNANDEZ also known as “dragoncove,” “originaldragoncove,” “theoriginaldragoncove” and “Nino”

Age: 46

Brooklyn, New York

• MICHAEL CARUSO

Age: 42

Brooklyn, New York

• RAYMER YNOA

Age: 32

Brooklyn, New York

• IRVIN HERNANDEZ

Age: 44

Brooklyn, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket Nos. 22-CR-245 (CBA) and 22-MJ-717.