From Street Drops to App Hops How Drug Peddlers Are Misusing Delivery Services

In a modern twist to an old trick, drug traffickers and e-cigarette suppliers have found a new way to stay under the radar — by exploiting parcel delivery aggregator services. What was once a risky game of leaving packages at public drop spots has now transformed into a high-tech delivery method that’s making it harder for authorities to keep up.

Recent investigations have uncovered how traffickers are using these services to move illegal items with minimal risk. In one case, a supplier based in Nampally traveled a short distance to a neutral spot near LB Stadium, handed off a package to a delivery driver, and walked away — mission accomplished, no questions asked. The recipient picked it up at another roadside location, and the entire transaction mimicked any ordinary parcel delivery.

This method, authorities say, poses a serious challenge. Unlike traditional "dead drops," where contraband is hidden in public areas and coordinates are shared later, these modern exchanges leave little physical evidence. Delivery personnel, often unaware of what they’re transporting, unknowingly become part of a growing chain of illegal activity.

What makes it even more difficult to track is the peddlers’ use of disposable SIM cards and vague pick-up points with no verified addresses. When caught, many recipients feign ignorance, claiming they didn’t place an order or that it must’ve been a mistake — making legal follow-up tricky.

Law enforcement agencies are now pushing back. Delivery platforms have been warned of strict legal action if they don’t tighten their processes. Officials have stressed the need for proper documentation, including full names, ID verification, and complete addresses for both pick-up and delivery. They’re also calling for delivery personnel to be informed about the nature of the parcels they handle — a step that’s currently being overlooked.

As cities like Hyderabad, Goa, and Bengaluru grapple with these tech-savvy tactics, the message is clear — innovation isn’t just for business, and crime is evolving faster than ever.