Two Senators Ask Government to Shut Down Website Selling Illegal Drugs

Two U.S. senators are calling on the federal government to shut down a website that sells illegal drugs using layers of secrecy to avoid detection. The website sells drugs including cocaine, heroin and methamphetamines.

Senators Charles Schumer of New York and Joe Manchin of West Virginia are asking the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Justice Department to close and investigate the website known as the Silk Road, named after the ancient Asian trade route.

The Associated Press reports that the website, which started in February, uses a network of buyers and sellers that hides their identity. The website tells sellers to make shipments using vacuum-sealed bags so that drug-sniffing dogs will not detect the packages.