Digital Platforms Fuel New Drug Trafficking Risks

Pakistan is grappling with a rising threat from online drug trafficking networks, as criminal groups increasingly exploit digital platforms, encrypted messaging apps, and the Dark Web to distribute narcotics. Experts warn that these networks are adopting e‑commerce style tactics, making trafficking more organized and harder to detect.

During a special session in Islamabad, organized by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) Cyber Security Program, diplomats, law enforcement officials, and UNODC representatives discussed the urgent need for a tech‑driven response. Speakers highlighted how encrypted channels and digital payments allow traffickers to evade authorities, creating new challenges for investigators.

Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of IRS, emphasized that while online platforms provide opportunities, they also expose young people to criminal activities. He noted that nearly 70% of Pakistan’s drug users are under 30, driven by stress, peer pressure, and easy accessibility. Saleem called for stronger state capacities, training of cyber specialists, and enhanced inter‑agency collaboration to counter these threats.

Troels Vester, UNODC Country Representative, underscored the Dark Web’s role as a sophisticated enabler of cybercrime, offering anonymity for drug traffickers. He warned that Pakistan’s online drug markets are expanding rapidly, demanding a coordinated and well‑resourced response.

Oliver Gadney, Program Coordinator at UNODC Headquarters, shared global best practices for tackling dark‑net crime, stressing the importance of disrupting the financial foundations of trafficking networks. He noted that law enforcement must adapt to fast‑evolving digital ecosystems while maintaining compassion toward individuals struggling with addiction.

Former UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs Chair, Ambassador Mansoor Khan, highlighted Pakistan and Afghanistan’s role as major producers and transit routes for opiates fueling regional flows. He warned that educational institutions are increasingly vulnerable, with students becoming prime targets for distribution networks.

Experts concluded that a holistic approach—combining stronger border controls, enhanced monitoring, public awareness campaigns, and coordinated institutional responses—is essential to counter the emerging digital drug‑trafficking threat.