What's happened
Police warn about the use of pink cocaine, a deadly mix of ketamine and ecstasy, in party destinations like Ibiza and the UK. Meanwhile, a BBC investigation uncovers thousands of posts on SoundCloud and X advertising nitazenes, synthetic opioids more potent than heroin.
Why it matters
The presence of deadly synthetic drugs being advertised on social media platforms raises concerns about accessibility and the potential for harm. The use of pink cocaine and the availability of nitazenes highlight the evolving drug landscape and the need for increased vigilance and regulation to protect individuals from the dangers of these substances.
What the papers say
The Guardian reports on the lethal synthetic opioids being advertised on social media, with suppliers boasting about promoting nitazenes. The Independent highlights the abuse of social media by dealers to advertise deadly super-strength opioids. Metro covers the warning issued by police about pink cocaine, a dangerous mix of ketamine and ecstasy, being used in popular party destinations.
How we got here
The issue of synthetic drugs being advertised and sold on social media platforms has become a growing concern. Nitazenes, a group of synthetic opioids more potent than heroin, have been linked to numerous deaths in the UK. The presence of these deadly substances on platforms like SoundCloud and X underscores the challenges in regulating online drug sales and protecting individuals from the risks associated with these potent drugs.
Common question
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What deadly opioids were being advertised on social media platforms?
An undercover investigation has revealed the online sale of nitazenes, super-strength opioids linked to over 100 deaths in the UK. The drugs were found being advertised on social media platforms, including X and SoundCloud. Learn more about the deadly opioids being promoted on social media.
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How is social media being used to promote the sale of deadly opioids?
The online sale of nitazenes, super-strength opioids linked to over 100 deaths in the UK, has been uncovered through an undercover investigation. Suppliers are utilizing social media platforms like X and SoundCloud to advertise these illegal drugs, employing audio clips and track titles to attract potential buyers. This dangerous trend raises concerns about the accessibility and promotion of deadly opioids online, posing a significant public health risk.
More on these topics
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northÂwestern coast of the European mainland.
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SoundCloud is an online audio distribution platform and music sharing website based in Berlin, Germany, that enables its users to upload, promote, and share audio.
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Twitter was an American social networking service that was rebranded as X in 2023. Established in March 2006, it grew to become one of the world's largest social media websites and the fifth-most visited website in the world. It was launched in July 2006.