Seven Georgia residents have been indicted for allegedly operating a narcotics distribution network using the dark web. The group is accused of sending thousands of packages containing fentanyl and methamphetamine to locations across the United States, including within the Middle District of Georgia, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Each defendant faces one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, which carries a possible sentence of life in prison if convicted. Those charged are Steven Ehizojie Oboite, 32, of Conyers; Eric Xavier Bechet, 31, of Dunwoody; Jabari Ayinde Cooper, 29, of Atlanta; Rashad Cortese Kinloch, 28, of Dunwoody; Myron Ned Stodghill, 31, of Fairburn; Reginald Tyrone Douglas, 31, of Dunwoody; and Joshua Jamal Charles, 25, of Atlanta. All are currently in federal custody, except Cooper and Kinloch, who were released on bail.
Federal agents executed search warrants on May 19 and recovered drugs, firearms, a pill press, marijuana, pills, and two cold cryptocurrency wallets. The investigation is part of J-CODE, a joint operation involving the FBI, DEA, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
The dark web vendor account linked to the case, called WallStreetBets, began its activities before March 2021 and operated on various dark web markets. It recorded over 2,777 sales and held a 95% vendor rating, according to the indictment. The packages often included candy and used fake business names and return addresses.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Peach is prosecuting the case. Authorities continue to investigate and are seeking public assistance with any information related to possible overdoses connected to the operation.
