STRG_F took a close look at the social media platform Instagram and showed that drug trafficking is possible here.
Instagram prohibits drug trafficking on the platform and deletes content accordingly. But here it is shown that this is still possible.
Fake account to check
STRG_F is the investigative team at Funk, the digital youth offering from ARD and ZDF. The research was supported by a user who knew what to look for and also understood the various codes in the profiles and postings.
A “suitable” fake account was created on Instagram – the fishing rod was cast. It didn't take long for “the fish” to bite. The fake account had numerous followers - all apparently from the drug scene. The inbox was overflowing with messages.
Messages came in from dealers. After looking through the different accounts, it soon became clear that not only “soft drugs” were being traded here, but also cocaine, LSD and crystal meth.
[mk_ad]
Instagram as a drug hub
Together with the reporter from STRG_F, the user made ten purchases monitored by lawyers. In most cases, payments were made with Bitcoin.
By loading the video, you accept YouTube's privacy policy.
Learn more
In addition to cannabis, ketamine, ecstasy, diazepam, Lean (lemonade with codeine-containing cough syrup and promethazine), the strictly prescription cough syrup Makatussin and even morphine were sent.
“If I took all of this now, I would be dead,” were the words of the reporter after unpacking the deliveries.
An analysis of the effectiveness of the drugs supplied was confirmed by an initial study by the Hannover Medical School.
Reaction from Instagram
Buying or selling drugs on Instagram is prohibited.
Instagram removes relevant content as soon as it is found. “Between January and March, the platform removed 1.3 million pieces of content that were related to drug sales.” 95 percent of this content would be found proactively – before anyone reported it.
Of the ten profiles from which the research team had ordered, only two had been deleted. Eight of them were still traceable.
Source: Handelsblatt
Article image: Screenshot / CTRL_F
Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )