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The Indian government is advancing its fight against drug trafficking with a range of technology-driven initiatives aimed at improving drug law enforcement. These digital initiatives are part of the government’s broader strategy to harness technology in enhancing the effectiveness of drug law enforcement, as detailed by Mr Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs.
Narco Coordination (NCORD) Portal: This comprehensive platform serves as a central hub for drug and narcotics-related information. It connects stakeholders at all levels – from district to central ministries – enabling seamless communication and coordination among Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (DLEAs).
National Integrated Database on Arrested Narco-Offenders (NIDAAN): The NIDAAN portal supports DLEAs and other investigative agencies by providing detailed information on individuals involved in drug-related offences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985. This tool aids in tracking and profiling offenders to enhance investigative efforts.
Crime & Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS): Designed to interconnect all police stations, CCTNS facilitates investigation, data analysis, and policy-making. It offers citizens services like reporting and tracking complaints and requesting antecedent verifications, ensuring a more integrated approach to crime management.
Task Force on Darknet and Crypto-Currency: Under the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC), this task force monitors platforms used for drug trafficking, including the darknet and cryptocurrency channels. It focuses on sharing intelligence, intercepting drug networks, and updating databases to keep up with evolving trends and methods in narco-trafficking.
1933-MANAS Helpline: Launched as a unified platform for citizens, the MANAS Helpline allows for reporting drug-related issues through various communication channels, enhancing public engagement and support in combating drug trafficking.
The NIDAAN portal, in particular, has proven instrumental for DLEAs, helping to connect the dots between offenders, tracking habitual offenders, and managing investigations. It supports financial investigations and monitors current cases, including bail and parole status.
The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) has outlined growing challenges in drug control due to the evolving landscape of online drug trafficking, as detailed in its Annual Report. The internet’s role in increasing the availability of illicit drugs, including synthetic opioids like fentanyl, has posed significant risks, such as higher overdose rates and new avenues for criminal exploitation.
Online platforms, including social media and legitimate e-commerce sites, are being increasingly used for drug trafficking. Criminals leverage these platforms to reach broad audiences, including minors, and employ encryption, anonymous browsing, and cryptocurrencies to evade detection. The scale of online activities complicates enforcement efforts, as evidenced by a recent case in France where law enforcement collected over 120 million text messages from 60,000 mobile phones.
The report also highlights the dangers posed by illicit internet pharmacies, which sell drugs without prescriptions, potentially putting patient safety at risk due to counterfeit or unapproved medications. The global illicit pharmaceutical market is estimated at US $4.4 billion, underscoring the vast scale of this issue.
Despite these challenges, INCB identifies opportunities to use online platforms for drug use prevention and treatment. Governments can harness social media for awareness campaigns to deter substance misuse, particularly among youth. Telemedicine and online pharmacies could enhance access to drug treatment services and disseminate information on the risks of drug use.
INCB stresses the need for international cooperation to address these issues effectively. Collaborative efforts between governments, international organisations, regulatory bodies, and the private sector are crucial for combating online drug trafficking and protecting public health. INCB’s initiatives, such as the GRIDS program, have demonstrated the benefits of such cooperation in disrupting drug trafficking networks and seizing illicit substances.
India’s robust measures reflect a strategic deployment of digital technology and significant resources, demonstrating India’s dedication to creating a more effective and resilient framework for controlling illicit drug activities.
