Dark Web Drug Dealers Ran Prolific Operation Through LA County Mailboxes: DOJ

Los Angeles, CA – The final sentencing in a major dark web drug trafficking operation concluded this week with Davit Avalyan, 36, of Glendale, receiving a 57-month federal prison sentence. Avalyan pleaded guilty in October to conspiracy charges related to distributing cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine, and MDMA.

Prolific Dark Web Operation

Prosecutors characterized the operation, conducted under the vendor name “JoyInc,” as “one of the most prolific” methamphetamine and cocaine distribution networks on the dark web. The operation is believed to have been active since at least 2018, selling drugs to customers throughout the United States in exchange for cryptocurrency.

Investigation and Arrests

The investigation began in November 2018, when an undercover FBI agent successfully purchased cocaine from the vendor’s account. Federal authorities continued to make similar purchases in subsequent years. Last year, authorities arrested Avalyan and three other men: Hrant Gevorgyan, 36, of Glendale; Hayk Grigoryan, 36, also known as “Hayk Greg,” of Glendale; and Gurgen Nersesyan, 44, also known as “Guro Tiko,” of Sherman Oaks.

Did You Know? The operation utilized the U.S. Postal Service to ship drugs ordered online from Los Angeles County to locations across the country.

Gevorgyan, Grigoryan, and Nersesyan have already been sentenced to prison terms ranging from two to ten years, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Shipping Methods

Court documents reveal that Avalyan was responsible for obtaining tracking labels and purchasing postage stamps in bulk from United States Post Offices to facilitate the shipment of drug orders. Authorities executed multiple federal search warrants during the investigation, uncovering evidence including substantial amounts of cash and drugs.

Expert Insight: The use of cryptocurrency and the dark web presents significant challenges for law enforcement, requiring specialized investigative techniques and international cooperation to disrupt these illicit networks.

The case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the digital age.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long was the operation under investigation?

The operation was under investigation for at least four years, beginning in November 2018.

What types of drugs were sold by the operation?

The operation sold cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine, and MDMA.

How did the defendants accept payment for the drugs?

The defendants accepted payment in cryptocurrency.

As law enforcement continues to adapt to evolving methods of illicit trade, what further strategies might be employed to dismantle dark web drug operations?