WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, Zangi, Signal being used for concealment, distribution of narcotic drugs: MHA
New Delhi, August 5
Organised drug trafficking syndicates are increasingly using digital platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, Zangi, Signal and social media to coordinate the procurement, transportation, concealment and distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, the Ministry of Home Affairs told the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
In a written reply to the queries of a Member of Parliament, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai informed the Upper House that the information came to the fore during investigation of drug trafficking cases by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)-- the Central agency mandated to investigate cases of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
"During investigation of drug trafficking cases by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), instances of the use of digital platforms by drug traffickers have come to notice," Rai responded to the query.
The MoS further mentioned that NCB's investigations have revealed "use of digital platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, Zangi, Signal and social media platforms by organised drug trafficking syndicates for coordinating procurement, transportation, concealment and distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances."
To curb technology-enabled drug trafficking and other related criminal activities, Rai said, the government has taken various steps through NCB.
Pointing to the steps taken by the Central government to curb drug trafficking, the MoS said cyber experts have been engaged to enhance capability to investigate darknet- enabled drug trafficking and cryptocurrency-based transactions.
Besides, he said, capacity building programmes are being conducted on a regular basis in collaboration with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA) and Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), Gandhinagar, for officers of NCB and other Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (DLEAs) to strengthen capabilities in cyber-enabled narcotics investigations, digital forensics, darknet monitoring, cryptocurrency investigations and investigation of technology-enabled drug trafficking.
— ANI
Reader Comments
These apps are built for privacy, but criminals always misuse good things. The real issue is that our cyber cells are understaffed and outdated. Train more officers in digital forensics, not just NCB guys. Also, what about the local police? They need this training too!
Zangi and Signal are famous for being ultra-secure. It shows how sophisticated these drug networks have become. I just hope the government doesn't use this as an excuse to weaken encryption for ordinary users. We need targeted action against criminals, not blanket surveillance of law-abiding citizens.
The collaboration with US-DEA and RRU is a good step, but why wait for a parliamentary question to reveal this? The government should be more proactive in sharing such information with the public. Awareness is our first line of defence — parents, teachers, everyone needs to know how these criminals operate.
I use Signal for personal privacy, and now it's being associated with drug trafficking. Slightly concerning, but the logic is clear: criminals will use any tool they can. The real solution is better KYC for these apps and stringent punishment for offenders. Let's not blame the platforms, focus on the users who exploit them.
Seems like a global trend — we see similar issues in the US and UK with encrypted apps. India's approach of investing in cyber experts and darknet monitoring is the right direction. Hope the government also tightens cryptocurrency tracking, since that's how these drug lords launder money.
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