- Advertisement -
ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP):Global experts on Monday cautioned that criminal networks are rapidly shifting to e-commerce-style operating models and encrypted online platforms to expand drug trafficking, making detection and enforcement increasingly challenging.
Speaking at a special session hosted by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) on “Dark Web and E-Commerce in Pakistan: Emerging Tactics of Drug Trafficking and Law Enforcement Responses,” UNODC officials, diplomats and policy specialists called for stronger institutional coordination and technology-driven responses to counter fast-evolving digital drug markets.
The session was organized under the IRS Cyber Security Programme led by Ms. Alina Fayaz.
President IRS, Ambassador Jauhar Saleem opened the session by noting that while online platforms offer significant opportunities, their ease of access also exposes young people to criminal activities, including the online purchase and sale of drugs.
He stressed the urgent need to strengthen state capacities, train cyber domain specialists, and upgrade investigative agencies.
He also underlined the importance of inter-agency collaboration and knowledge-sharing to counter increasingly sophisticated digital drug-trafficking techniques.
Troels Vester, UNODC Country Representative, highlighted the Dark Web’s growing role as a sophisticated enabler of cybercrime, providing anonymity for a widening range of illicit activities.
Oliver Gadney, Programme Coordinator GPML at UNODC Headquarters, shared insights into technological tools, investigative methodologies, and global best practices for countering dark-net-based crime.
He highlighted growing challenges in tracing online trafficking networks and stressed the need for strong inter-agency cooperation, including efforts to disrupt the financial foundations of such criminal enterprises.
He added that despite the ANF’s dedicated efforts, sophisticated digital networks and established maritime, land, and air routes continue to enable trafficking.