Bangladesh proposes global digital centre to combat online drug trade
The proposal was presented at the UN headquarters in Vienna in Oct
Highlights
- Bangladesh proposes global AI-driven centre to combat digital drug trafficking
- DNIRC would analyze online data and share verified cases worldwide
- Centre aligns with INCB oversight, UNODC framework, and GDPR standards
- Pilot phase planned in Bangladesh, Singapore, Netherlands, UAE, and US
- INCB recommends stronger public-private cooperation and global drug-slang database
- Recommendations include AI tools, crypto-tracking, and secure information-sharing channels
Bangladesh has proposed establishing a Global Digital Narcotics Intelligence and Exploitation Reporting Centre (DNIRC) under the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) to strengthen global cooperation against technology-driven drug trafficking.
The proposal was presented by Md Hasan Maruf, director general of the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC), during the 2nd Tech Against Trafficking meeting held at the United Nations headquarters in Vienna from October 21 to 24. The event, organised by the INCB Secretariat, was attended by representatives from member states, international bodies, and technology companies.
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According to the proposal, the DNIRC would serve as a central intelligence hub using artificial intelligence and data analytics to detect and disrupt online drug trafficking. It would collect and analyse AI-flagged narcotics-related content, financial anomalies, and parcel-screening alerts from major platforms such as Google, Meta, and Telegram, as well as banks and courier services. Verified cases would then be shared with national enforcement agencies.
The proposed centre would operate under the International Narcotics Control Board's supervision to ensure neutrality and data protection, aligning with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime's (UNODC) cybercrime framework and the EU's GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). Bangladesh suggested launching it in three phases, starting with pilot projects in Bangladesh, Singapore, the Netherlands, the UAE, and the US, before linking all INCB member states through Interpol and Europol networks.
Maruf said the initiative was inspired by a recent case in Bangladesh where the CID, in cooperation with Google and the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), used AI tools to trace and arrest a suspect. "This shows how international data collaboration can help tackle emerging cyber-enabled drug threats," he said.
Highlighting the current drug trends in Bangladesh, Maruf stated that the country's geographical location makes it vulnerable to drug trafficking. Yaba is trafficked from Myanmar to Bangladesh via small boats disguised as fishing vessels on the Naf River, while Phensedyl is smuggled from India. In addition, heroin, cannabis, and injectable drugs enter through the Indo-Bangla border. Despite the rise in drug-related cases, arrests, and seizures, drug trafficking continues to increase.
The proposed Digital Narcotics Intelligence and Exploitation Reporting Centre is expected to create a privacy-safe, automated reporting mechanism for online drug crimes, enable early detection of cross-border trafficking, and strengthen intelligence sharing among nations. The initiative also aims to enhance the capacity of developing countries to trace and dismantle digital drug supply chains.
In response to Bangladesh's proposal, the International Narcotics Control Board issued a set of technical recommendations closely aligned with the Department of Narcotics Control's vision.
Recognising the growing use of digital platforms for trafficking synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances, the INCB urged stronger public-private cooperation to detect and disrupt online drug networks. It recommended creating a shared global database of drug-related keywords, slang, and coded terms, and launching awareness campaigns to counter drug glamorization on social media.
The INCB also advised governments to report suspicious websites and online pharmacies, expand access to its AI-powered SNOOP platform, and provide training in cryptocurrency tracing and open-source intelligence. It encouraged the use of blockchain tools for tracking illicit funds and called for public-private partnerships with tech firms, financial institutions, and courier services to prevent the digital drug trade.
To improve coordination, the INCB urged the establishment of secure information-sharing channels and designated contact points. It also recommended extending cooperation to gaming platforms, encrypted messaging apps, and cryptocurrency exchanges to strengthen the global fight against cyber-enabled narcotics trafficking.
