The market must really be a big moneymaker so they are so willing to pay the transactions fees much higher than normal. Although Bitcoin is playing a part in the current of the dark markets, what I know is that even if Bitcoin can be shut down they can still find ways to fund their purchases. I believe that the dark net has been existing a long time ago under the radar though it is now being exposed most especially with that Silk Road saga.
Is the government powerful enough to control (at least) this underground market? Or just like Bitcoin, this is something beyond their own expertise?