KOCHI: As per reports, the drug mafia uses virtual SIM to smuggle drugs from foreign nations to Kerala. The reason behind the use of virtual SIM is that even if the small-time drug peddlers are caught, the investigation will not reach the mafia.

Recently, the main accused who was arrested for smuggling MDMA by courier in Kochi used an American virtual SIM. Virtual SIMs are mostly used in America, Canada, UK, Israel and the Caribbean. There is no need to furnish personal details to buy these. There are many websites for this. A SIM costs around 10-12 dollars (Rs 814). The demand is for SIMs from countries that do not cooperate with Interpol and other investigative agencies.

SIM usage via app

One can purchase virtual SIM from many places including the 'dark web'. The apps of the SIM company must be installed on the mobile. The number of the SIM can be bought with crypto or dollars and it can be used like a normal SIM. You can also use WhatsApp using this number. You can make phone calls but the charges are high. After a month, you can renew the SIM by paying again, but the drug dealers prefer new SIMs.

Terrorist's SIM

The Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist group involved in the Pulwama attack used a virtual SIM. This was discovered when the NIA approached the US for details from the service provider.

There is no law

Virtual SIM is also provided by telephone service providers in India. The sale of foreign SIMs has not been banned. Virtual SIM is convenient for those who frequently switch phones and SIMs. By using these, there is no need to get a new SIM when going to other places.