Drug cartels use darknet, cryptocurrency reaching out to clients via social media: report

New Delhi: Following one of the biggest drug haul in two decades, a report now says that the drug syndicate reached out to clients through Instagram.

Initiating a conversation if a potential client showed interest will shift to private messaging app ‘Wicker Me’, according to NDTV.

Payment for drugs mostly LSD, imported from Netherlands or Poland, will be carried out through cryptocurrency.

Lysergic acid diethylamide or LSD is a chemical based drug, which is categorized as a hallucinogen.

The drug syndicate whom the Narcotics Control Bureau busted today used to operate across India using social media, according to the report.

NCB seized 15,000 blots of LSD, the largest ever drug best in two decades.

NCB arrested six people including students from several places in the country. Meanwhile, lynch pin of the cartel was arrested from Jaipur, according to the report.

Investigation by the agency now reveals that the cartel used to advertise on the dark net alongside reaching out to clients on Instagram.

Darknet is a hidden internet platform which escapes surveillance of authorities as it uses the secret alleys of the onion router (ToR).

The platform is believed to be used for sale of drugs, exchange of pornographic content, and other illegal activities.

The six arrested in connection with drug trafficking are all tech-savvy who used private messaging apps and hidden websites.