The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is organising “Darkathon-2022” to find solutions to counter drug trafficking on the darknet. The agency recently busted three groups of drug peddlers operating on the network that is accessed through encryption software which enables anonymity of users.

NCB Director-General S.N. Pradhan on Tuesday inaugurated the event which is being held in three phases till April 22. All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) Chairman Anil D. Sahasrabudhe and National Cyber Security Coordinator Lt. Gen. (retired) Rajesh Pant were present.

The prize money for the first winner is Rs. 2.5 lakh, the runner-up would get Rs. 2 lakh and the third winner Rs. 1.5 lakh.

The consolation prizes for the fourth and fifth places are Rs. 25,000 each. Online registration will continue till March 31 through the website ncb.cyberchallenge.in

During his inaugural address, Mr. Pradhan said there was a rise in drug trafficking through the maritime routes and darknet. Citing the UNODC World Drug Report-2021, he said 94% of the sales in the darknet markets are related to drugs.

Narcotics seizures

He said effective enforcement activities had resulted in the enhanced seizures of all major drugs in the recent years.

“In the last five years, the country has witnessed exponential increase in the seizure of heroin from 2,146 kg in 2017 to 7,282 kg in 2021, which is about 300% increase. Similarly, there is an increase of 172% in the seizure of opium (from 2,551 kg in 2017 to 4,386 kg in 2021) and 191% increase in the seizure of cannabis (from 3,52,539 kg in 2017 to 6,75,631 kg in 2021),” he said.

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