Drug peddlers in India use QR codes to sell narcotics, say Hyderabad officials

Hyderabad officials have warned of drug peddlers using QR codes to connect with consumers via encrypted apps. The latest modus operandi, first seen in Europe, has emerged in India, with buyers directed to neighbouring States for delivery of narcotics.

Hyderabad: With the anti drug enforcement agencies cracking whip against drug traffickers and consumers, those into the illicit trade are finding new ways to carry forward the trade and get drugs.
In the latest, the drug peddlers are using QR codes to provide information to drug consumers on sales of narcotics.
The QR code stickers are shared in select closely guarded WhatsApp groups, telegram or other encrypted communication groups through which the people can buy various varieties of drugs.
On scanning the QR code one gets access to the peddler who will then after verifying the buyer, shares the city or town from where the drug can be sourced.
“The consumers are directed to neighbouring States of Karnataka, Maharashtra or Andhra Pradesh to take delivery of the drugs,” said an official of an anti drug enforcement agency.
Cocaine, MDMA, hydroponic ganja, ecstasy pills, and other forms of drugs are being provided to the customers by the drug peddlers in the State.

“Rich people are either directly going and getting the drugs or sending some trusted people to those places and sourcing it,” said the official.

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Illegal drug business through QR codes was practiced in foreign countries mainly in Europe. Recently, it started in India and so far three cases were registered in different States.

“In some Indian cities, the QR code stickers were found to be pasted at public places notorious for selling drugs. Detecting it is a tough job as the QR code stickers resemble any other e-payment gateway QR code stickers,” said the official.

However, the police in the State are keeping a close surveillance in bars, pubs and crowded places to foil any attempts to carry out the illicit business using the latest modus operandi.