Role of Internet in Drug Trafficking and Use highlighted in International Narcotics Control Board Annual Report 2023 | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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    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.

     

    International Narcotics Control Board (INCB)

    • 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).
    • Tags :
    • drug trafficking
    • Deep Web
    • INCB
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