Deadly drug advertisements

A recent investigation reveals the alarming presence of thousands of posts advertising deadly drugs called nitazenes on social media platforms such as X and SoundCloud. Nitazenes, synthetic opioids more potent than heroin, have been linked to a significant number of deaths in the UK. Despite being illegal, these drugs are openly advertised and sold online, often hidden within other substances by dealers. Suppliers, many based in China, offer bulk purchases and claim to ensure secure shipping, targeting drug dealers. The investigation uncovered evidence of payments totaling millions of pounds made in Bitcoin to these suppliers. While some platforms have taken down posts, many ads remain, posing a grave risk to public health. Nitazenes have been detected in samples of pills sold as anti-anxiety drugs, increasing the risk of overdose. The UK government and law enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts to combat the distribution of nitazenes, emphasizing the need for tech companies to remove such content swiftly.