Blog : Online Sale of Illegal Articles

Online Sale of Illegal Articles

Written by Rohas Nagpal
Friday, 16 April 2010 12:56 - Last Updated Monday, 19 April 2010 09:01
It is becoming increasingly common to find cases where sale of narcotic drugs, weapons,
wildlife etc. is being facilitated by the Internet. Information about the availability of the products
for sale is being posted on auction websites, bulletin boards etc.
Scenario: The suspect posts information about the illegal sale that he seeks to make. Potential
customers can contact the seller using the email IDs provided. If the buyer and seller trust each
other after their email and / or telephonic conversation, the actual transaction can be concluded.
In most such cases the buyer and seller will meet face to face only at the time of the final
transaction.
Illustration: In March 2007, the Pune rural police cracked down on an illegal rave party and
arrested hundreds of illegal drug users. The social networking site, Orkut.com, is believed to be
one of the modes of communication for gathering people for the illegal “drug� party.
Modus Operandi: The suspect creates an email ID using fictitious details. He then posts
messages, about the illegal products, in various chat rooms, bulletin boards, newsgroups etc.
Potential customers can contact the seller using the email IDs provided.
Usual motive: Illegal financial gain.
Applicable law (Before 27 October, 2009): Information Technology Act usually does not
apply. Depending upon the illegal items being transacted in, the following may apply: Narcotic
Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, Arms Act, Indian Penal Code, Wildlife related laws
etc.
Applicable law (After 27 October, 2009): Information Technology Act usually does not apply.
Depending upon the illegal items being transacted in, the following may apply: Narcotic Drugs
and Psychotropic Substances Act, Arms Act, Indian Penal Code, Wildlife related laws etc.