Punjab Drug Syndicates Use GPS Drones and Crypto, BJP Says State Systems Lag

3 articles · Updated · Daily Excelsior · Aug 1

Punjab drug trafficking syndicates are increasingly using encrypted apps, darknet networks, cryptocurrencies and GPS-enabled drones, according to information the Centre shared in Parliament and BJP leader Tarun Chugh cited on Saturday.
July 22 Rajya Sabha disclosures from junior home minister Nityanand Rai said Narcotics Control Bureau probes found jailed traffickers were still coordinating consignments through mobile phones and outside associates.
Chugh argued the AAP-led Punjab government is relying on outdated digital surveillance and enforcement systems even as traffickers use VPNs, virtual numbers and forged KYC-linked SIM cards to hide identities and payments.
He urged the Mann government to add AI-driven analytics, digital tracking and real-time intelligence sharing with central agencies, framing it as necessary to match the Centre's zero-tolerance anti-drug strategy.