With the internet and social networking sites becoming a sought-after option to discuss drug sales and rave parties among junkies, the Anti Narcotics Cell (ANC) has set up a special online drug monitoring cell to keep a tab on such forums. With the festive season fast approaching, the department has strengthened its presence online with this cell.
Why is this being done?
"Social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter are being used by junkies to put up invitation about rave parties. They sent invites to a closed-knit group. Although the operation is clandestine, once we are equipped in cracking these web pages, we can conduct raids and make arrests. This will help us in getting through a network of high-profile peddlers and consumers," said Namdeo Chavan, DCP of ANC. He also added that of late, a number of people are resorting to online drug sales. "There is information about peddlers and sales activities. Some of them are encrypted or password protected. With this cell, we should be able to break into all this information and keep strict check," said Chavan.
What will be their modus operandi?
The department has set up a team of officials for the cell who are being trained by cyber cell experts and social media lab professionals of Mumbai Police to get through to the clandestine drug dealings online and crack them. He said that the local police will also be roped in to help the cell.
"With Christmas and New Year celebrations round the corner, our onlinevigilance will be round the clock. Facebook event pages about rave parties, which can only be accessed by select individuals, are being tracked down," said Chavan. He added that the invites give information on drugs being supplied and celebrities attending etc. in code language and most of these parties happen in bungalows and private spaces in hotels in the suburbs.
Dept learning code words used by junkies
The department is also familiarising itself with code words that junkies use to depict the drugs and events in the online forum. "Cocaine and party drugs such as ecstasy are widely used at these parties. The challenge is that they are very cautious and keep changing the locations. As far as sale is concerned, we are aware of peddlers who operate online. All such activities will be monitored," said an ANC officer.
Drug net
No. of NDPS cases ANC and local cops have registered: over 11,300
No. of arrests: more than 14,800 (includes consumers and peddlers)
Most common drugs caught this year: Ganja, Cocaine, Charas and Heroin
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