FBI shut down alleged online drug marketplace

US law enforcement authorities have shut down Silk Road, the web marketplace for illegal drugs like heroin and cocaine as well as criminal activities including murder for hire, and arrested its alleged owner, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said yesterday.

The FBI arrested Silk Road owner Ross William Ulbricht, 29, known as “Dread Pirate Roberts,” in San Francisco on Tuesday, according to court filings.

Federal prosecutors in New York charged Ulbricht with one count each of narcotics trafficking conspiracy, computer hacking conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy, according to the filings.