India, July 30 -- The strategy of the illegal drug trade appears to be changing, with women increasingly taking charge of narcotics networks. Operating under the cover of traditional attire, several women are allegedly running high-profile drug operations, including the sale of brown sugar and synthetic drugs, across Odisha capital city Bhubaneswar and nearby areas.

How and why are women getting involved in such illegal activities? Under whose protection are they operating these drug syndicates? An investigation has brought several such cases to light.

The drug trade has adopted a new approach, with women allegedly spreading networks as 'drug queens' under the guise of ordinary activities. From the Rajmahal Square auto stand in Bhubane...