Role of Internet in Drug Trafficking and Use highlighted in International Narcotics Control Board Annual Report 2023

Posted 09 Mar 2024

Updated 25 Mar 2024

2 min read

As per report, Internet has increased the availability of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and related chemicals on illicit market.

Role of Internet in Drug Trafficking
- Cryptomarkets (online darknet marketplaces located on Deep Web) are being used for wholesale drug trade, because of anonymity and safety.
- Various social media platforms are being used as local marketplaces and inappropriate content is accessible to children and adolescents.
- Using Internet pharmacies and telemedicine, patient safety is at risk from illegal internet outlets that sell drugs without prescription.
- Global trade in illicit pharmaceuticals is estimated at $4.4 billion.

Challenges posed by Internet to Drug Control
- Encrypted communication methods posing difficulties for prosecuting online trafficking offences.
- Due to global-reach of Internet, offenders use regions with less stringent law enforcement to evade extradition.
- Online presence of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.

Recommendations
- Online platforms should be used to prevent non-medical use of drugs and raise awareness about harms of drug use.
- Formulate legislation and policy to prosecute illegal marketplaces operating on social media platforms.
- Utilizing real-time counter-trafficking tools to develop actionable intelligence against traffickers that exploit e-commerce services.

Secretariat: Vienna, Austria
Established in 1968 in accordance with Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961.
It is an independent and quasi-judicial monitoring body for implementation of United Nations international drug control conventions.
It has 13 members, each elected by Economic and Social Council for a period of five years.
INCB initiatives to prevent Internet exploitation for drug trafficking
- Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) Programme.
- Project International Operations on New psychoactive substances (ION).

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