DEA Detroit Field Division Raising Social Media Awareness as Students Return to School
DETROIT – As students return to school, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Detroit Field Division is reminding communities in its area of responsibility in Michigan, Ohio and northern Kentucky, about the hidden threat of drug trafficking through social media platforms, while also encouraging families to have conversations about the potentially lethal consequences of drug experimentation.
It’s estimated more than 95 percent of American teenagers between the ages of 13-17 have access to a smartphone. With this in mind, the DEA recently released a series of short videos, “Hidden on Your Kid’s Phone,” as a way to raise awareness to the threat of drug trafficking through social media. The series is designed to give parents and caregivers the information needed to protect their families.
The DEA is aware of drug traffickers using social media platforms to advertise the sale of deadly drugs through posts and disappearing stories. Often accompanied by known code words and emojis, these posts connect prospective buyers with dealers where conversation then move to encrypted communication apps. Similar to legitimate online purchases, payment can be made through apps such as Venmo, Zelle and Cash App, with delivery often as easy as dropping off a package to your front door.
“Those who peddle poisons in our communities not only operate on our streets, but they hide behind the touchscreens and computer monitors that occupy our youth,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph O. Dixon.
The drug trade has taken advantage of the ease and the sense of secrecy the internet and social media provide. Traffickers are using these websites and apps to push counterfeit pills and other poisons to a new generation. It’s important that families have conversations about the dangers of purchasing drugs online and internet safety in general. Deploying the tools available to keep our children safe when using mobile devices can be a potentially life-saving investment of time.”
For more information on drug trafficking efforts through social media, visit dea.gov/onepill and download the fact sheet or view the Hidden on Your Kid’s Phone videos at www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.gov/Hidden.
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