India has encountered 92 cases of drug trafficking involving the dark net and cryptocurrencies over the past four years, according to the Home Ministry. The nation’s junior Home Minister Nityanand Rai disclosed this information in parliament on Wednesday while responding to inquiries from opposition MP Jose K. Mani regarding the government’s awareness of the increasing use of technology in drug trafficking.
Rise in Tech-Driven Drug Trafficking
Rai revealed that since 2020, a significant number of drug trafficking cases have utilized the dark net and cryptocurrencies. Specifically, three cases were booked in 2020, 49 in 2021, eight in 2022, 21 in 2023, and 11 up to April 2024. Although the data did not differentiate between cases solely involving the dark net and those involving cryptocurrencies, it highlights a troubling trend in the use of advanced technology for illegal activities.
Special Task Force Established
To combat this growing issue, a special task force has been established to monitor suspicious transactions related to drug trafficking. This task force is part of broader efforts to enhance the government’s ability to detect and prevent drug-related crimes facilitated by modern technology. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), India’s primary agency for enforcing drug laws, has been instrumental in addressing these cases.
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In addition to the 92 tech-related cases, there were 1,025 incidents involving parcels or couriers over the same period. This statistic underscores the diverse methods traffickers use to distribute drugs within the country.
Government’s Commitment to Prevention
Minister Rai emphasized the government’s commitment to preventing drug trafficking through various methods, including the establishment of the special task force. This initiative aims to bolster the detection and interception of illegal drug transactions conducted through online platforms and cryptocurrencies.
India’s proactive steps to address drug trafficking involving the dark net and cryptocurrencies signify a robust response to the evolving challenges posed by modern technology. With the establishment of a special task force and the ongoing efforts of the NCB, the government is intensifying its fight against this complex and high-tech form of drug trafficking.
