Itanagar, Apr 10: In a major crackdown on tech-enabled narcotics trafficking, police in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Siang district have busted a sophisticated drug racket that used QR codes and digital payment platforms to conduct illegal transactions. The Anti-Drug Squad arrested the main accused, Dorik Doji, following a targeted operation in Aalo.

Police revealed that Doji ran the racket under the guise of an online gaming business. He collaborated with Talom Mibang, a Customer Service Point (CSP) operator in Pasighat, who allowed drug payments through his QR code. Mibang received a commission—initially 50 percent, later revised to 30 percent—for facilitating these transactions.

After receiving payment, drugs were placed at remote pickup locations. Doji would then notify buyers via phone calls, eliminating direct contact and minimizing detection risks. The network relied heavily on WhatsApp calls, with Doji frequently changing phone numbers after every few deals.

To obscure the financial trail, funds were routed through a second CSP operated by Doji in Aalo. He also collected cash from Mibang’s CSP in person on multiple occasions.

The investigation, linked to Aalo Police Station Case Nos. 14/25 and 16/25 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, was supported by technical evidence and cooperation from Pasighat Police. Both Doji and Mibang were arrested.

While police have not yet disclosed the specific substances involved, the NDPS cases point to commonly trafficked drugs such as heroin, cannabis, or synthetic narcotics.

Authorities have warned that the misuse of digital tools like QR codes by criminal networks represents a growing challenge. Efforts are ongoing to track down other individuals involved in the operation.