Introduction. The article analyzes the features of some operational-search activities carried out as part of bringing to criminal responsibility persons distributing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their analogues. The methods and techniques of counteraction provided to employees of operational units of internal affairs bodies by drug trafficking organizers are explored. Emphasis is placed on conducting operational-search activities using the Internet information network. Methods. During the study, the general scientific dialectical method of understanding the surrounding reality was used, which involves a complete and comprehensive study of phenomena, consideration of connections and contradictions between them. In addition, methods of description and logical comprehension were used. A comprehensive analysis of statistical data characterizing the general dynamics of IT crime and the number of crimes related to the sale of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their analogues was carried out. Results. The author examines in detail not only the main methods of making caches in which «stashes» of drugs are placed, but also methods of counteracting these processes, carried out by employees of the operational units of the internal affairs bodies. The article summarizes the accumulated experience and knowledge about the peculiarities of conducting operational investigative activities on the Internet.