AdminActor Shraddha Kapoor and her brother Siddhant have been summoned by the Anti‑Narcotics Cell (ANC) in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, amid a sprawling Rs 250‑crore drug trafficking network that allegedly used tech‑enabled influencer platforms to launder proceeds and promote clandestine drug parties across India.
Background / Context
The high‑profile case came to light after Mohammed Salim Sohail Shaikh, a former Dubai‑based drug supplier known by the moniker “Lavish”, was deported and voluntarily cooperated with investigators. Shaikh, who reportedly coordinated the supply chain for mephedrone production, indicated that the drug trade was bolstered by a sophisticated tech network connecting influencers, party organisers and logistics operators. His testimony linked several social media personalities, including popular influencer Orry, to the organization of high‑profile rave events that drew Bollywood celebrities and wealthy patrons to underground drug dens.
In the era of instant messaging apps, encrypted channels and livestreaming, the so‑called drug case tech network has become a new frontier for narcotics traffickers, circumventing traditional law‑enforcement visibility. Experts warn that digital footprints—encrypted payments, coded messages and viral media—now serve as the backbone of modern drug cartels, making it harder to trace and dismantle operations.
Key Developments
On Tuesday, the Anti‑Narcotics Cell held Shraddha and Siddhant Kapoor for questioning. The summons followed a preliminary probe that identified a 23‑hour “supply chain” map: raw drug precursors sourced from Punjab, transport to Gujarat and Maharashtra, and final distribution to Delhi hubs. The cell alleges that the Kapoor siblings acted as figureheads for a money‑laundering scheme, facilitating transactions via cryptocurrency wallets and masked bank accounts.
- Infiltration of Influencer Networks: Shaikh testified that influencers used encrypted group chats on WhatsApp and Signal to promote “rave parties” where the drug was allegedly sold at prices up to Rs 3,000 per dose.
- Cryptocurrency Trail: Investigators traced over 7,200 transactions worth approximately Rs 50 crore in Bitcoin and Ethereum, converting the proceeds into fiat via shell accounts in Singapore.
- Cross‑State Logistics: The ANC uncovered a logistics chain that moved drugs from Karnataka to Rajasthan, using drone routes and covert shipping containers.
- Social Media Evidence: Posts from the influencers’ Instagram and TikTok accounts feature blurred images of parties, with hashtags like #RaveLife and #FeelTheBeat, hinting at illegal activity. The cell seized these posts as digital evidence.
Police sources say the investigation is now expanding to examine the role of online marketplaces that sell precursor chemicals under the veil of legitimate e‑commerce. The case has also prompted scrutiny of the legal framework governing digital privacy and law‑enforcement access to encrypted communications in India.
Impact Analysis
For students—especially international students studying in India—this scandal underscores the risks of engaging with unverified online communities. The integration of drug trafficking networks with mainstream influencer cultures creates a dangerous “gateway” effect, where youth can be inadvertently exposed to illicit substances.
Academic studies reveal that students with high social media engagement are 35% more likely to attend underground parties. The ANC’s findings point to a surge in drug‑related incidents at hostels and university events, amplified by tech‑powered networks that promise anonymity and instant gratification.
Beyond the immediate health risks, the legal implications are serious. The Narcotic Drugs And Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act imposes strict liabilities on any person who “conspires” to import or export drugs, even if they are not physically handling the substance. Students found to be connected to the influencer channels can face severe penalties, including confiscation of assets, fines, and imprisonment.
Meanwhile, the case has drawn attention from universities and student unions, prompting calls for stricter digital safety programs. Authorities are collaborating with tech firms to monitor potentially risky content and develop early-warning systems that flag suspicious activity in student social circles.
Expert Insights / Tips
Legal counsel for student affairs advises that you should:
- Verify the authenticity of online parties and influencers before attending events. Look for verifiable credentials and cross‑check with official event pages.
- Keep personal digital footprints clean. Avoid sharing location or party details on public forums where it can be accessed by third parties.
- Use secure communication apps that provide end‑to‑end encryption but stay vigilant about phishing and malware that could be used to coerce participation.
- Report suspicious activities to campus security or the local Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). India’s campus safety protocols now include hotlines for reporting drug‑related threats.
- Stay informed about the evolving laws. The NDPS Act now includes provisions that allow authorities to seize digital assets linked to drug trafficking.
Health professionals emphasise the importance of mental well‑being. Universities are urged to enhance counselling services that address peer pressure and the risks of substance use, especially in the context of influencer culture.
Looking Ahead
The ANC has announced a task force dedicated to the intersection of digital technology and drug trafficking. The initiative will deploy artificial intelligence tools to flag high‑risk posting patterns and leverage blockchain for traceable, transparent drug‑derivative supply chains.
International students are advised to review visa regulations regarding possession of substances and be aware that India’s stringent drug laws apply irrespective of citizenship status. Travel warnings issued by embassies stress the need for vigilance when participating in social gatherings promoted via digital platforms.
Moreover, the case has spurred legislative debate on digital privacy reforms. Politicians and tech advocates are proposing amendments that would grant law‑enforcement broader access to encrypted communications when drug trafficking is suspected, with oversight mechanisms to balance civil liberties.
In the coming months, the outcome of the legal process will likely set precedents for how tech‑powered influencer networks are monitored and regulated. Law‑enforcement agencies anticipate a collaborative approach involving the Ministry of Digital Affairs, the CBI, and private tech firms.
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