Convicted Drug Dealer Claims It's 'Easy' to Sell Drugs and Weapons on Facebook

A convicted drug dealer in New Zealand has claimed that it is “easy” to sell illegal drugs and weapons on Facebook Messenger, highlighting the alarming proliferation of illicit products on social media platforms. The former dealer, who has multiple convictions for drug-related offenses, spoke to The Herald about the ease with which criminals can operate on these platforms, often without any intervention from Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.

The informant, who has since stopped selling drugs, said he never saw any action taken against the closed groups he used to advertise and sell drugs. He asserted that Meta has allowed such activities to continue unchecked, stating, “I’ve never seen Meta take down a [drug dealing] group. I’ve never seen Meta take down any of my posts. I’ve never seen Meta do anything about any of the hundreds of people that I know that do the exact same thing.”

He claimed that social media platforms have become a “goldmine” for dealers, with a wide variety of illegal products—ranging from MDMA and LSD to 3D-printed firearms and homemade tasers—easily accessible to users. He said the lack of encryption and privacy on these platforms has made it easier for dealers to operate in the shadows, often with a sense of “bulletproof” security.

The former dealer also mentioned that many sellers on these platforms emphasize product purity and include anonymous customer reviews as part of their marketing strategy. This, he said, is a tactic to build trust among buyers, making the process of purchasing illegal substances seem more legitimate.

In recent weeks, The Herald has uncovered multiple advertisements for drugs on Facebook Marketplace, including magic mushrooms and cocaine, with sellers even specifying delivery charges for areas outside of certain neighborhoods. One ad for cocaine in Auckland noted that “gas fee applies” for deliveries outside of Māngere, while another listing showed hundreds of pink ecstasy pills alongside a drug testing kit, claiming “bulk sales only.”

The Justice Minister, Paul Goldsmith, has called the situation “outrageous” and has pledged to take action against Meta, stating he will be contacting the company directly to address the issue. Meanwhile, police have acknowledged a “steady increase” in drug sales on social media, with offenders increasingly using encrypted apps to avoid detection.

Detective Senior Sergeant Kepal Richards of the national criminal investigations group said that encrypted apps and other tools have made it increasingly difficult for law enforcement to trace illegal activities. However, he emphasized that police remain committed to investigating all forms of online offending and urged the public to report any suspicious activity.

Beyond drugs, the former dealer also highlighted the availability of weapons such as “ghost guns”—untraceable firearms often manufactured using 3D-printed components—and homemade tasers and mace. He noted a rise in the number of firearms groups on social media in recent years, with some groups focusing exclusively on shotguns or rifles.

While The Herald was unable to verify the claims of 3D-printed firearms being sold on social media, it was previously reported that police have raised concerns about the increasing use of such weapons by organized crime groups. In 2023, a deportee was charged for illegally manufacturing 3D-printed pistols.

Meta’s online policies prohibit the promotion of weapon sales, including tasers, ammunition, or explosives, but allow educational content about weapon safety, training, and licensing. However, the enforcement of these policies remains a challenge in the face of encrypted communications and the rapid evolution of online marketplaces.

The former dealer, who has been a part of the drug trade for over a decade, spoke out to raise awareness about the risks posed by the increasing availability of drugs and weapons online, particularly to young people. He said, “There are a lot of impressionable people on social media. There are a lot of people who have never used a narcotic in their life and suddenly it’s easily accessible.”

As the issue of online drug and weapon sales continues to grow, law enforcement and policymakers face an urgent challenge in addressing the role of social media platforms in facilitating these illegal activities. With the help of public reporting and continued investigations, authorities hope to curb the spread of these illicit markets and protect vulnerable communities.