Darknet plays important role in drug circulation: Mutha Ashok Jain

Mumbai has always been a main landing point of international drug traffickers. Speaking exclusively to DNA, Deputy Director General of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Mumbai, Mutha Ashok Jain shares his views on the prevailing trends in drug smuggling and measures taken by the agency to curb the menace of drug trafficking.

What are the measures that you take to put brakes on the drug trafficking in city?

Being an enforcement agency we develop intelligence on drug trafficking and also support state agencies in tackling drug menace. We provide drug kits, cameras, drones and funds for purchase of equipment for Anti-Drug Work to state governments under the Assistance to State for Anti-Drugs Operations, which is a central government policy. We also train state and other central enforcement agencies on how to deal with drug cases. Apart from this, we also conduct Narcotics Coordination Meeting in which police, customs, excise, coast guards and Food and Drug Administration officials also participate.

What are the latest trends that you have observed in drug trafficking?

Trends have shown that cocaine is the major drug that comes via air route in Mumbai, while hashish comes in city from North-India. Also Ephedrine and pseudo Ephedrine are smuggled out of Mumbai to abroad, trends have shown. As far as local consumption is concerned, use of Mephedrone, Methaqualone and LSD of Mandrax has been observed.

In cases where foreigner are arrested, how do we address the issue of language barrier to get more information about their operations and handlers?

Drugs are mostly smuggled from Spanish speaking countries. We bring in translators and seek their help in getting information from the arrested foreigners. This helps us in giving direction to our cases.

Drug deals are also done through Darknet nowadays. How are we keeping tab on this?

Darknet has an important role in drug trade and we have our own ways and means to deal with it.