Aalo, Apr 9: The West Siang district police have busted a major drug peddling racket that operated through online financial channels including QR code-based payments and Customer Service Points (CSP), officials said on Wednesday.
The breakthrough came during the investigation of two NDPS cases registered at the Aalo police station leading to the arrest of the alleged kingpin, Dorik Doji of Aalo, West Siang superintendent of police Kardak Riba said.
According to investigators, Doji used CSP services and digital transactions via Google Pay and QR codes to run his narcotics distribution network. The accused reportedly approached Talom Mibang, a CSP operator based in Pasighat, under the pretext of running an online gaming business.
“He told Talom Mibang that his clients would transfer money via QR code and in exchange, Mibang would retain half the amount initially and 30 per cent after six months,” Riba said. The arrangement began in December 2024, paving the way for the racket’s operations.
Once the drug users contacted the peddler through intermediaries, the QR code was shared. Upon receiving payment, drugs were discreetly placed at isolated locations. Users would collect the contraband based on telephonic instructions, police added.
Investigations further revealed that Doji personally collected money from the Pasighat CSP on a few occasions and also rerouted funds to another CSP operated by himself in Aalo. He never met customers or middlemen directly, relying instead on WhatsApp calls and frequently changing phone numbers to dodge surveillance.
Based on technical analysis and banking records, Pasighat police initially arrested Mibang. Subsequently, the main accused Dorik Doji was apprehended from Aalo.
Police have recovered ?78,000 in cash, over ?2 lakh in a bank account linked to drug proceeds, multiple SIM cards, and mobile phones.
So far, eight persons have been arrested in connection with the two cases. The investigation is being led by Aalo police station officer-in-charge sub-inspector Lakhi Mena, under the close supervision of SP Riba.
“More seizures are expected as the investigation progresses,” the police said.
