New Delhi: The Central Government has informed the Rajya Sabha that organised drug trafficking syndicates operating in India are increasingly using encrypted messaging applications, including WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, Zangi, Signal, and other social media platforms to coordinate the purchase, transportation, concealment, and distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The Ministry of Home Affairs said these findings emerged during investigations conducted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) into drug trafficking cases. To counter the evolving threat, the government has strengthened its capability to investigate darknet-enabled drug trafficking and cryptocurrency-based financial transactions.
In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said NCB investigations have revealed that organised drug syndicates are relying on encrypted communication platforms and social media to manage their operations. According to the ministry, these platforms are being used to coordinate the procurement, transportation, concealment, and distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
The government stated that the rapid evolution of technology has significantly changed the methods used by drug traffickers. Instead of relying solely on conventional networks, criminal groups are increasingly using encrypted communication services, darknet marketplaces, and cryptocurrency-based payment systems to evade law enforcement agencies. As a result, investigative agencies are being equipped with advanced technological resources and specialised expertise to tackle these emerging threats.
The Ministry of Home Affairs said cyber experts have been engaged through the NCB to strengthen investigations into technology-enabled drug trafficking and other related criminal activities. Their primary responsibility is to analyse darknet-based networks, encrypted digital communications, and cryptocurrency transactions in order to identify and dismantle organised drug trafficking syndicates.
The government also highlighted its efforts to enhance the capabilities of investigators dealing with cyber-enabled narcotics offences. Regular capacity-building programmes are being conducted for officers of the NCB and other Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (DLEAs), focusing on cyber-enabled narcotics investigations, digital forensics, darknet monitoring, cryptocurrency investigations, and technology-driven drug trafficking.
These training programmes are being organised in collaboration with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA) and Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), Gandhinagar. According to the government, the objective is to equip investigators with the latest techniques in digital evidence collection, cyber investigations, and internationally accepted investigative practices to improve the effectiveness of operations against organised drug networks.
The ministry reiterated that the NCB is the designated central agency responsible for investigating offences related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in India. It added that the agency is continuously updating its investigative strategies to keep pace with evolving technologies and emerging methods adopted by organised criminal groups.
Commenting on the growing use of encrypted communication platforms by drug traffickers, renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said organised criminal networks are increasingly shifting from traditional communication channels to end-to-end encrypted applications, the darknet, and cryptocurrency-based payment systems to conceal their identities and operations. He said effectively combating such crimes requires stronger technological capabilities, advanced digital forensic expertise, enhanced inter-agency coordination, and sustained international cooperation.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
