Online Drug Dealers: How They’re Using Apps To Sell Drugs
- This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
- What parents can doSo, how can parents ensure kids don’t seek out illegal substances — either online or in person — and what signs of potential drug use should parents watch for?
- Profiles that include a random capitalized T or acronyms in the title or bio are actually signaling they have an interest in “Tina” – a street name for meth.
Understanding the Risks of Buying Drugs Online
At school, teens have access to a larger pool of drugs than what they would be accustomed to seeing in their own social groups. Buying dozens of kilograms at a time, some of Chris’ buyers onsold drugs to local consumers both on the dark web and via street deals. Prescription medications in the United States tend to be safe, but you should still know how to identify fake medicines, especially if you’re buying online. It took Billy all of five seconds and just two clicks to find illegal drugs through Instagram.
In recent years, the internet has made it easier for individuals to acquire various substances, including both legal and illegal drugs. However, the question often arises, “how can I buy drugs online?” While the information is readily available, it is essential to recognize the associated dangers and legal ramifications.
Legal Considerations
Such brazenness is usually displayed only by those fake “online pharmacies” that dupe the dumb and flaccid. We spoke to one Connecticut engineer who enjoyed sampling some “silver haze” pot purchased off Silk Road. A screenshot of Televend and the buying process within the digital drug market.
The remainder of those who purchased drugs online (31% in the U.S. and 14% in Spain) did so only through darknet services. Additionally, respondents were given the opportunity to indicate several services where they purchased drugs online. In the U.S., the most common sites were Instagram (42%), Facebook (38%), and Craigslist (19%), with one respondent indicating use of an online legal cannabis delivery service. In Spain, the most common sites for buying drugs online were Instagram (48%) and Facebook (43%).
Before exploring options for purchasing drugs online, consider the following legal aspects:
- Legal Status: Verify the legality of the substance you are considering, as laws vary significantly by country and region.
- Prescription Requirements: Many drugs require a prescription; obtaining these illegally can lead to serious legal consequences.
- Online Pharmacy Regulations: Only buy from pharmacies that are licensed and follow legal regulations to avoid counterfeit products.
Perceived closeness or belonging to friends can have an influence on deviant behaviors. This is particularly the case on the Internet, where it is very easy to get access to harmful and deviant content and form social contacts with like-minded peers (Keipi et al., 2017; Oksanen et al., 2016; Oksanen et al., 2014). Negative influences gained online might be enforced by “social cliques” or “social bubbles” of other similar people (Kaakinen, Sirola, et al., 2018; Keipi et al., 2017; Koivula et al., 2019; Savolainen et al., 2020). However, strong ties with offline friends have been shown to buffer risky online behavior (Kaakinen, Keipi, et al., 2018). Several studies have found that strong social bonds offline are generally related to multiple health and subjective wellbeing benefits (Baumeister & Leary, 1995; Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010; Slatcher & Selcuk, 2017).
Researchers found that many dealers “mention drugs directly in their account names to advertise their services.” With such bold use of Instagram to sell their drugs, many online drug dealers are using the app without fear of consequences. While most apps try their best to limit drug distribution, preventative measures are based on an honor system in which users are expected to report other users who are showing signs of selling or purchasing drugs. Police departments across the nation are doing their best to crack down on dating apps, Instagram, and Snapchat drug dealers. Detectives in the Polk County Sheriff’s Office created undercover profiles on dating apps and were able to buy nearly a pound and a half of marijuana, one of the most commonly sold drugs in the U.S., as well as 280 grams of methamphetamine online. An undercover operation called “Swipe Left for Meth” displayed how people have been using apps to buy drugs and how online drug dealers have been promoting their products on their dating profiles.
Identifying Legitimate Sources
These internet-based pharmacies often sell unapproved, counterfeit or otherwise unsafe medicines outside the safeguards followed by licensed pharmacies. Alongside organizations like Song for Charlie, NABP and federal regulators like FDA and DEA are committed to protecting the public from illegal online pharmacies. Using our Safe Site Search Tool, patients can make sure that they are buying drugs from legitimate sources online. Our annual RogueRx Activity Reports highlight new or developing illegal activity threats. NABP will continue to bring awareness to this issue and maintain our efforts that support our mission to protect public health.
If you are looking for a legal way to purchase medication online, follow these steps:
- Research Reputable Pharmacies: Look for pharmacies that are accredited by local or international bodies.
- Check Reviews: User reviews can provide insights into the reliability and quality of the service.
- Consult a Healthcare Provider: Discuss your needs with a medical professional before making any purchases.
Online Platforms Available for Drug Purchases
For those who need to buy medications or health-related products legally, there are several options:
- Licensed Online Pharmacies: Websites like CVS, Walgreens, and others provide prescriptions along with over-the-counter drugs.
- Health Care Apps: Mobile applications enable users to communicate with healthcare providers and get prescribed medications directly to their homes.
- Direct-to-Consumer Brands: Certain brands now offer direct purchase options for their products through their websites.
Preventing Scams and Counterfeit Drugs
Be vigilant when purchasing drugs online to avoid scams:
- Watch for Red Flags: Sites that offer extremely low prices or do not require prescriptions may be suspicious.
- Verify Contact Information: Legitimate pharmacies provide verifiable contact details and a physical address.
- Look for Secure Payment Options: Ensure the site uses encrypted payment methods to protect your financial information.
FAQs
What should I do if I received counterfeit drugs?
If you suspect that you have received counterfeit drugs, report the issue to local authorities and your healthcare provider immediately.
How can I ensure the online pharmacy is legitimate?
Look for certifications from national pharmacy associations and check their licensing information. You can also consult pharmacy check credentialing sites.
Can I buy recreational drugs online legally?
Purchasing recreational drugs online is illegal in many places, and doing so can result in severe legal consequences.
While learning how can I buy drugs online may seem appealing, always prioritize safety and legality in your decisions. Informed choices will help protect not only you but also contribute to a healthier and safer online environment.
