Red rooms on dark web to parties: How coke made its way across NCR
The gang, which included a Nepalese national and a woman from Mizoram as well, operated from the shadows of a "workshop" created in a rented house in Delhi's Chattarpur area for three years before being busted by Gurgaon cops on June 16.
The gang, police said, not just used the dark web to reach out to potential customers, but also conducted transactions using digital currencies like Bitcoin that left no digital footprint.
You Can Also Check:
Noida AQI
|
Weather in Noida
|
Bank Holidays in Noida
|
Public Holidays in Noida
"Initially developed by the US Navy for secret missions, the dark web was exploited by criminals for drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and other illegal activities. Its search engine uses software like the Tor browser. Online frauds are usually traced through IP addresses. When you switch from one window to another, your IP address will immediately change," a police official said.
How did the gang reach out to customers? "The gang shared URLs, which gave users access to 'red rooms' or groups with similar interests.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Dieses Hörgerät kann 2025 alles verändern
Gutes Hören
Undo
Each member was assigned a user ID and password, which helped them reach like-minded individuals or other smugglers and place orders. These red rooms were separate from those used by arms smugglers," the official said.
Even the deliveries were meticulous. After securing raw materials through coded communications on the dark web, the gang processed cocaine at their Chhatarpur "factory". And to distribute their product, they employed women, who could easily blend into NCR's party circuit without arousing suspicion.
This way, the drugs made their way to high-end clubs and corporate parties across the region.
"The arrested Nigerians were being handled by drug lords in their own country. According to them, more such gangs are operational in Chhatarpur area. This is a multi-crore business with deep roots. So far, we have been successful in nabbing experienced drug peddlers from Nigeria and Nepal," the officer said.
The veil was lifted off the gang when the crime branch team from Sector 43 police station — led by DCP Rajesh Kumar — arrested Nepalese national Vimal Pahadi from near a hotel in Sector 38, and recovered 1.6gm of sulfa and 116gm of cocaine from his possession.
His interrogation led to a series of arrests, including that of Mizoram resident Lal Kothari and six Nigerian nationals — Johan David, Okolie Romanus, N Nahiofor Peter, Ojukwa Ifenya, Henry Onuchukwu, and Friday Tobias Chikwu.
When Pahadi landed in police net, he planned to take a bus to Delhi and then head to Nepal with packets of the contraband, investigators said. According to cops, he frequently travelled between Nepal and India, collected drugs from Delhi or Gurgaon, and then headed back to his own country, where he distributed the cocaine in parties.
"Vimal was active here for the past two years and made around 20 trips between the two countries. Surprisingly, no one ever checked him," a police officer said.
The gang's reliance on technology extended to their communication methods as well. They maintained a rotating system of nearly 50 mobile phones, switching devices when contact with delivery teams or suppliers failed.
"The accused would turn off their phones in case they failed to make contact with their delivery team members or suppliers. They had at least 50 phones for business operations," the officer said.
Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with
Doctor's Day 2025
,
messages
and quotes!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
14 million Android users win $314 million from Google, here's the reason why
A California jury ordered Google to pay $314.6 million to Android users, finding the company illegally collected cellular data from idle smartphones without user permission. The San Jose jury sided with plaintiffs representing an estimated 14 million California Android users in a class action lawsuit filed in 2019. The verdict addresses claims that Google's Android operating system transmitted user information while phones were idle, consuming customers' cellular data for company purposes including targeted advertising. Plaintiffs argued these "mandatory and unavoidable burdens" benefited Google at users' expense, according to Reuters reporting. Google plans appeal as federal case looms Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda announced the company would appeal, stating the verdict "misunderstands services that are critical to the security, performance, and reliability of Android devices." The tech giant maintained that Android users consented to data transfers through terms of service and privacy policies, and argued no users were harmed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Glicemia acima de 100? Insira essa fruta na sua dieta Saúde Nacional Undo Plaintiffs' attorney Glen Summers celebrated the outcome, saying the verdict "forcefully vindicates the merits of this case and reflects the seriousness of Google's misconduct." The California ruling represents just the beginning of Google's legal challenges over Android data practices. A separate federal lawsuit covering Android users in the remaining 49 states is scheduled for trial in April 2026, potentially exposing Google to significantly larger damages. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Dubai's candy crush saga: 15 arrested for hiding 50kg of drugs in sweets
Dubai Police seized narcotics disguised as candy during a press briefing on the drug trafficking bust/ Image: (Representative) In a major crackdown against narcotics trafficking, Dubai Police have arrested 15 individuals, ten men and five women, who were allegedly part of a drug syndicate that attempted to smuggle and market narcotic substances disguised as candy. The operation, according to officials, targeted young people via social media platforms, and was announced as part of the UAE's nationwide campaign marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Candy-Laced Drugs Worth Dh2 Million Seized The criminal network was in possession of 50 kilograms of drugs and 1,100 pieces of drug-laced sweets, with a street value estimated at Dh2 million ($544,588 USD), Dubai Police revealed during a press conference held at Dubai Festival City. Brigadier General Dr Abdul Rahman Sharaf Al-Maamari, Director of the International Protection Centre at the General Department of Narcotics Control, told the local news outlet Khaleej Times that the operation was part of a coordinated arrest involving authorities both inside and outside the UAE. "These were a variety of sweets that contained narcotic substances,' said Al-Maamari. 'We seized 50kg of drugs and more than 1,100 tablets mixed with these sweets. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Soluções confiáveis para centros de dados IA Siemens Energy Saiba Mais Undo The suspects marketed the products on social media platforms, targeting the youth.' Social Media Targeting and Parental Vigilance Urged Officials say the group's primary method of marketing was through social media, a tactic designed to attract young consumers. Al-Maamari stressed the critical role families must play in the digital era, especially when it comes to safeguarding children from drug-related content and criminal influence online. 'Regardless of this case or others, we must continue to strengthen awareness efforts,' he said. 'Families play a central role in educating their children about the risks of the digital world, especially when it comes to drug promotion or other criminal activities online.' He warned that the average time individuals spend online is seven hours per day, significantly increasing their exposure to harmful or illegal content. While police systems are in place to monitor suspicious activity online, community and family involvement remain crucial. 'We call on families to monitor what their children are browsing, the messages they receive, and any suspicious packages or online purchases,' Al-Maamari added. 'It's not just the job of police, it's a shared responsibility.' Expanding Awareness Through Community Campaigns T o combat such threats, Dubai Police have scaled up public awareness programmes targeting a wide range of groups including students, parents, blue-collar workers, and delivery drivers. 'We visited labour camps, schools, shopping malls and corporate offices,' Al-Maamari said. 'This year, we expanded our awareness efforts to four major exhibitions instead of one. We reached 270,000 school students and more than 20,000 university students.' Dubai Police also conduct youth training programmes during summer holidays, focused on critical issues such as cybercrime, bullying, substance abuse, and safe digital behaviour. 'This year, the International Protection Centre trained more than 1,300 students across 26 centres,' he stated. 'We aim to build security awareness in every age group.' Public Encouraged to Report Suspicious Activity Residents have been urged to report any suspicious activities through official channels including: The 901 call centre The Police Eye app The e-crime platform 'We involve students in our operations centres to help them overcome any fear of communicating with the police. We ensure full confidentiality for all reports,' Al-Maamari explained. He also pointed to Article 89 of the UAE's Anti-Narcotics Law, which offers immunity from legal prosecution to individuals who voluntarily seek treatment or are assisted by family to do so. 'Last year, we saw a significant increase in people coming forward for treatment,' he said. 'We want the community to know our goal is protection, not punishment.' A Proactive Strategy Against Drug Crime According to Al-Maamari, Dubai Police continuously analyse criminal patterns using data from intelligence reports and police cases. This insight is used to shape more effective awareness and intervention strategies. 'Our strategy is proactive. We don't wait for a crisis to happen. We monitor trends, design targeted campaigns, and act early,' he said.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Antonio Brown mocks Cam Newton with viral post while on the run from police
Antonio Brown mocks Cam Newton after Instagram influencer's pic goes viral (Getty Images) Antonio Brown recently pestered Cam Newton on social media, deceitfully relating him to a viral influencer photo. This comes amidst a warrant for Brown's arrest in Miami-Dade County for an apparent May shooting incident. Separately, Newton defended rookie Shilo Sanders after Brown posted an old training video supposedly to humiliate him. Antonio Brown humiliates Cam Newton with savage post Antonio Brown, notorious for his online antics, recently embroiled Cam Newton in a strange social media episode. The former NFL wideout posted a popular image of influencer Manny MUA's backside, then audaciously declared, "That's cam newton.' This latest online antics surface while Brown is actively wanted by law enforcement in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Reports indicate a warrant for his seizure was issued on June 15, following testimonies of his involvement in a shooting outside an amateur boxing event in May. As of July 1, he had not yet presented himself to authorities. — AB84 (@AB84) Adding to the unfolding drama, Brown previously swirled controversy by uploading footage from an old training session emphasizing Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie safety Shilo Sanders. The video appeared to depict Brown dominating Sanders in route running drills, seemingly an attempt to minimize the young player's capabilities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Birla Evara 3 and 4 BHK from ₹ 1.75 Crore* Birla Estates Learn More Undo However, Cam Newton rushed in to support Sanders. Speaking on his "4th and 1 Show," Newton conveyed that Sanders is currently attempting to establish himself in the NFL and that Brown's public critique, especially using an old video, was unwarranted. Newton further clarified that the training footage dates back to when Sanders was still in high school, a stark contrast to Brown's status as a top-tier NFL player at that time. Newton enhanced the innate unfairness of the situation, articulating, 'In defense of Shilo, he's trying to carve out a place on the team." He continued, underscoring the age difference, 'He was a youngin', And you're talking about A.B. in his prime going against a teenager? That's not a fair matchup." Shilo Sanders, despite going undrafted in the 2025 NFL draft, ensured a free agent contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, incidentally Brown's former team. Also Read: 'Kissed LeBron's a**': Tom Brady called a fraud by Skip Bayless for praising 'insecure' LeBron James Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
