Parents be alert: ‘drug dealers’ targeting teens on social media

POLOKWANE – Drug dealers are using Facebook to communicate with their customers, according to the police.

Exacerbating this is the fact that it is mostly children who are doing this.

According to one teenager who matriculated last year, he has a friend who sells marijuana and other drugs via Facebook. “He puts out feelers to ascertain who might be interested in buying the drugs from him and then he sends a Facebook message to them. The entire deal including payment and delivery arrangements is made via Facebook,” the former high-school learner explained.

According to some learners, Facebook is not the only social network being used for this purpose. One learner said even pictures are used, mostly on Instagram. The photos are of needles and other drug paraphernalia. “Some of the photos are tagged #weed for sale or #pillsforsale. This new trend gives children the opportunity to buy from anywhere where there is a smart device and internet access,” he said.

An undercover police officer in the city who works with organised crime, confirmed this phenomenon and said an investigation is in progress.

He further said the drugs being sold are varied but there has been a sharp increase in the demand for steroids as schools have just reopened and sports events are starting again.

“Parents and teachers should be on the lookout and pay special attention to learners’ behaviour. Do regular tests when learners are taking part in sport. Where drugs are indeed present, make sure the police are involved and the learner gets assistance,” he advised.

Polokwane police spokesperson, Capt Ntobeng Phala warned that children found dealing in drugs could face jail time.