Online drug sales surge as bitcoin becomes payment of choice; NCB forms task force

Kochi: In light of the increasing drug transactions using the dark web and cryptocurrency, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has intensified monitoring by forming an anti-narcotics task force.

The task force will undertake activities including sharing timely information with relevant investigative agencies to prevent suspicious transactions. Additionally, a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) has been established to monitor emerging narcotics-terrorism cases.

A National Integrated Database portal has also been launched to ensure that information about arrested suspects in drug cases across the country is accessible to all states. This will allow various investigative teams to access information about notorious drug offenders in different states.

It has been discovered that cyber fraud gangs are using cryptocurrency to buy drugs, including the money they collect. Clients approach buyers through social media, after which payments are received in cryptocurrency. Subsequently, drugs are delivered to consumers via courier from abroad.

Given the operations of drug gangs supported by technology, monitoring has been intensified. There are thousands of drug sale sites resembling shopping sites, where any narcotic can be purchased using Bitcoin. While it is possible to conduct direct transactions with international drug syndicates, such narcotic substances are being delivered through courier services.

Identifying details of customers on dark websites is not easy. Tracking the internet protocol (IP) addresses of visitors is also challenging. Since there are no direct transactions between sellers and buyers, apprehending them is difficult. The drug network is strong, connecting various parts of the country with countries such as Poland, the Netherlands, and the USA.