Updated February 2025
Recently, we were contacted by a parent who was concerned that their teen was using his cell phone to purchase illegal drugs online. After helping this parent, we decided that the time was right to publish a blog post about this challenging reality.
With all the positives of technology, also come some negatives. As we have been saying for years, the internet is not all sugar and spice and everything nice, sometimes there are snips and snails and puppy dog tails. With the widespread use of technology and the internet, it has become easier for some youth to buy and sell drugs online (1)(2). However, this behavior can result in serious consequences. (3)(4)(5). Research in the USA found that overdose deaths found 25% of teen drug deaths since 2019 were attributed to fake pills purchased online (6). With the ease of ordering food or hailing a ride-share, teens no longer have to rely on street dealers, friends, or navigating the dark web to access illicit drugs. Now, they can locate dealers directly through their smartphones. Using popular social media platforms, encrypted chats, and legitimate payment and shipping services, drug dealers have come out of the shadows. In this posting, we will discuss the various ways that teens are buying and selling drugs online that we and others have seen, and the risks associated with these activities that parents and caregivers should be aware of.
One way that some teens are buying and selling drugs online is through what are known as “dark web markets.” such as Monopoly, Versus, ASAP, AlphaBay, Wall Street, Archetyp, Bohemia, Empire, Dream and White House. (7)
The dark web is a hidden portion of the internet that is not indexed by a search engine, such as Google, and can only be accessed through specific software, such as the Tor browser (The Onion Router). The Tor browser employs sophisticated algorithms to mask the unique IP address of each computer, providing users with increased privacy and anonymity.
Law enforcement has been actively working to shut down online dark web markets dedicated to the sale of illegal and prescription drugs, but it’s important to note that these online dark sites are constantly changing and should never be considered reliable sources for purchasing drugs. Drugs purchased online can be just as dangerous as those purchased on the street because they are not regulated or tested, and their purity and composition are unknown.
Another way that some teens are buying and selling drugs online is via their social media platforms with peers. These platforms provide a way for users to connect with each other and exchange messages, making it easier for teens to find and buy drugs. Just sign into Instagram and search “buy cocaine”, “buy weed”, and “buy shrooms” and watch pops up!
Snapchat provides significant protection for dealers from undercover police posing as teenage buyers by offering safeguards such as the Snap Map feature, which shows them in real-time where a kid is waiting, and an in-app alert that warns if a kid tries to screenshot their chats. Dealers plaster menus of their pills and prices on their public-facing Stories page, post in places where kids hang out, and pin menus to their Snap Map tabs, making it easy to distinguish kids from police. Additionally, parents may not be aware that Snapchat has a “nearby” feature (8) that allows dealers at events where teens gather, like parties or music events, to connect with them for drug sales. At these events, dealers utilize QR codes that provide “menus” of drugs available for purchase.
Encrypted messaging apps, such as Telegraph, Signal, or WhatsApp, are also commonly used by teens to buy and sell drugs within their peer group, or from a dealer who is commonly referred to as a “plug” online. These apps provide end-to-end encryption, making it more difficult for law enforcement, educators, and parents to intercept and read the messages.
Another access point online – forums that are dedicated to the drug culture that may also facilitate the buying and selling of drugs. These forums provide a platform for users to connect with each other and exchange information about drugs and drug-related activities.
Here are some red flags to be aware of that could indicate that your child may be purchasing drugs online:
- Secrecy in their online activities, such as hiding the computer screen or clearing the browsing history.
- Dishonesty or deceit regarding their behavior.
- Regular receipt of packages or sudden possession of packages after leaving the house.
- Abnormal spending patterns or disappearance of money.
- Excessive time spent online or isolated in their room.
- Routine locking of the bedroom door.
- Indications of drug abuse, such as mood swings and alterations in behavior.”
SO WHAT CAN PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS DO?
#1: Talk to your kids about the content of this posting.
We know that the research shows that parents who engage with their kids about their “onlife” world through parental communication, parental participation, and where appropriate parental overwatch, those youth are far less likely to get involved in less-than-desirable behaviour online.
#2 Know the Language:
Law Enforcement has identified specific emoji, lingo, hashtags, and shorthand that are used by young people to refer to illicit or prescription drugs.
Some Examples of these coded references include:
- Xanax: referred to as a “pill,” “candy bar,” or “bus.”
- OxyContin/Percocet: referred to as a “pill,” “blue dot,” “parking sign emoji,” or “banana.”
- Heroin: referred to as a “brown heart” or “dragon emoji.”
- Adderall: referred to as a “pill,” the letter “A,” or a “train emoji.”
The American DEA has published a great info graph, which is relevant here in Canada as well, that we have attached to this posting that provides you with some insight into the emojis presently being used. Important note – it is not uncommon for some of the emoji to have different meanings based upon regional differences. A brown heart emoji may refer to heroin in British Columbia, but maybe not in Nova Scotia.
#3: Know what your child may be purchasing online?
Remember, the misuse of drugs can also include the use of both prescription and non-prescription drugs – like cough syrup. If the cough syrup contains the ingredient DXM, it can create hallucinations and out-of-body sensations similar to the ones caused by drugs like ketamine and PCP.
If your child is ordering online, you may also see an increase in unknown packages from places like Amazon, or other online delivery services being delivered to your home. Again, maybe dig a little deeper on what is actually being delivered if you have a justifiable suspicion that your child is either using or selling drugs.
In Canada, if your child is under that age of 18yrs, to open a bank account often (not always) they need to have a parent co-sign for the account which means you have the legal right to look at the account. Yes, this will likely be seen to be a breach of privacy by your child, but in those cases where there is a real concern specific to drug use, such a breach is reasonable to keep your child safe. Things to pay attention to would include suspicious transfers (ins and outs), frequency of deposits and withdraws or transfers from their bank account or PayPal account.
#4: What Is Your Child Doing Online:
If you have a concern about your child ordering drugs online, consider reviewing their search history. Examine their browser or Google searches on their computer or mobile device and pay attention to any searches that cause you concern. If you come across anything that raises serious concerns, as we stated in option #1 above, have an open and honest conversation with them about what you found. This may be a difficult discussion and you may face accusations of invading their privacy, however, it’s important to communicate that your intention is to show concern and ensure their well-being. IMPORTANT NOTE – a youth can erase a browser history, or use options such as Google’s “Incognito Mode” or a Browser’s “Private Viewing” mode that will prevent the history of their searches from being recorded.
#5: Obtain A Free Naloxone/Narcan Kit and Get Training On How To Use It.
If you have a teen who you suspect is experimenting with drugs, or if you have prescription opiates in your home that were prescribed to you by your family doctor, the use of Naloxone can be a lifesaver if your child is overdosing in the home.
The buying and selling of drugs online are illegal and can result in serious consequences, including arrest and incarceration. Additionally, drugs purchased online are just as dangerous as those purchased on the street, due to their unregulated and untested nature, and can lead to serious injury or even death. Teens should be aware of the dangers associated with buying and selling drugs online and avoid engaging in such purchases.
The internet, with its conveniences and benefits, has a dark side, and it’s our responsibility as parents and caregivers to navigate it with vigilance. The various avenues through which teens access these substances, such as the dark web, social media platforms, and encrypted messaging apps, highlight the need for constant awareness and open communication with our kids.
To address this challenge, there are several crucial steps we can take. First and foremost, engaging in conversations with our children about their online activities and the benefits and the risks associated remains paramount. Knowledge of the language and codes used by teens to discuss drugs is also essential for understanding their online behavior and potential involvement in illegal activities.
Additionally, parents should monitor their children’s online presence if you reasonably believe they are involved in drugs, paying attention to unusual package deliveries and investigating suspicious online search histories. While respecting their privacy, it’s vital to establish an atmosphere of trust where discussions about online safety can occur without fear of judgment.
Considering the potential dangers of drug misuse, obtaining a free Naloxone/Narcan kit and learning how to use it can be a lifesaving precaution for households with teens experimenting with drugs. In this evolving digital landscape, our proactive efforts and informed actions are crucial in safeguarding the well-being of our kiddos. By staying informed and engaged, we can better protect them from the dangers that lurk online and guide them towards healthier choices in their onlife interactions.
Related article
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
- https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2023/04/10/online-drug-trafficking-on-the-rise-police-need-resources-to-respond.html?mc_cid=c3e806813b&mc_eid=c04fcd5fcf
- https://journals.copmadrid.org/ejpalc/art/ejpalc2021a5
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/bromazolam-online-sales-warning-1.6869577
- https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2010/11/30/ajax_teens_hospitalized_after_buying_drugs_online.html
- https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/longform/the-new-frontier-of-the-drug-trade/
- https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/pdfs/mm7150a2-h.pdf
- https://www.unodc.org/res/WDR-2023/WDR23_B3_CH7_darkweb.pdf
- https://youtu.be/RyiSgJCt-vI
