Looks like the article is just putting the blame on cryptocurrencies on the growth of transactions in the dark web. But I don't think it's right to blame cryptocurrencies for it since they are just the assets being traded and not the drug itself being sold. I know it makes the transaction a lot faster but how do you supposed this drugs are being sent internationally? Of course logistics are also involved with this trade and one way to counter this market is tightening their customs on the imports happening. Let's not put the blame on crypto as even if they ban all of them I doubt the online drug trade would stop because of it.
I agree with you that the article paints crypto in a negative light being associated with drug trade but honestly I think it's intention was more so to show that with blockchain we are able to positively track the movement on drugs. Using technology as adanced as Ciphertrace's.