Facebook ads make it easy for users to get their hands on illegal drugs by mail — and the consequences could be dangerous
News November 10, 2025

Facebook ads make it easy for users to get their hands on illegal drugs by mail — and the consequences could be dangerous

The Star bought cocaine and pills through Facebook ads.

**Facebook Ads Facilitate Illegal Drug Sales Via Mail, Raising Safety Concerns**

A recent investigation by The Star has revealed a disturbing ease with which users can purchase illegal drugs, including cocaine and prescription pills, through advertisements on Facebook. The investigation highlights a significant loophole in the social media giant's advertising policies and raises serious concerns about the potential dangers faced by individuals procuring drugs through unregulated channels.

The Star's investigation details how easily they were able to acquire illegal substances after responding to ads promoted on Facebook. These ads, often disguised as offers for other products or services, led to direct contact with sellers who readily offered cocaine and various pills. The transactions were completed with relative simplicity, and the drugs were subsequently shipped through the mail, bypassing traditional methods of law enforcement and regulation.

This ease of access presents a multitude of risks. Firstly, the origin and composition of the drugs remain entirely unknown. Without proper regulation, buyers have no guarantee of the purity or dosage of the substances they are purchasing. This uncertainty greatly increases the risk of overdose, adverse reactions, and long-term health consequences. The pills, in particular, could be counterfeit or laced with dangerous substances like fentanyl, a highly potent opioid responsible for a significant surge in overdose deaths across the country.

Secondly, the anonymity afforded by these online transactions makes it difficult to hold sellers accountable for the harm they inflict. Victims of overdose or those who experience adverse reactions may struggle to trace the source of the drugs, hindering efforts to bring perpetrators to justice.

The Star's findings put pressure on Facebook to strengthen its advertising policies and improve its monitoring systems to prevent the promotion and sale of illegal drugs on its platform. While Facebook has policies in place prohibiting illegal activities, this investigation demonstrates that these policies are not effectively enforced, leaving a dangerous avenue open for drug dealers to reach a vast audience.

The implications of this investigation are far-reaching, underscoring the need for increased awareness about the dangers of purchasing drugs online and the importance of seeking help for substance abuse issues. It also highlights the urgent need for social media platforms to take greater responsibility for the content promoted on their sites and to actively work to prevent the spread of illegal and harmful activities. The ease with which The Star was able to obtain these drugs serves as a stark warning about the potential for harm and the urgent need for action.
Category: Technology