Police warning over Facebook drugs sale

Police have issued a warning to social media users after a Sunderland Facebook page was used to advertise illegal drugs.

The blatant posting was spottedontheclosedForSale Sunderlandgroup,whichhas more than 28,000 members, offering a selection of prescription and illicit drugs for sale, complete with Whatsapp and Instagram contact details.

The post refers to prescription drugs including ‘Tramies’ (Tramadol), ‘Diazies’ (Diaepam), ‘Pregab’ (Pregabalin), ‘Temazies’ (Temazapam) and ‘Xanies’ (Xanax), as well as illegal drugs including ‘White’ (cocaine), ‘Grass’ and ‘Hash’ (cannabis).

Legally, the simple act of offering to supply a controlled drug is illegal under the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act and can carry a sentence of up to life imprisonment. One person who spotted the post said they were shocked toseethatsomeonewouldbe so blatant trying to sell drugs in a Facebook group with so many members who could see it.

A Northumbria Police spokesmansaidtheforcewas awareofpeopleusing social media to sell drugs and took the problem extremely seriously "The supply of illegal drugs is a serious criminal offence and could result in time behind bars.

“Officers are aware of the use of social media to sell illegal substances and we will be looking to identify those involved. Anyone who knows the identity of those involved indrugssupplyisencouraged to contact police by calling 101, reporting online at the Northumbria Police website or making an anonymous report to Crimestoppers.”