QR Codes on Lamp Posts: New Tactic for Selling ‘Skunk’ Cannabis
- Drug dealers are utilizing QR codes that lead to websites selling powerful ‘skunk’ cannabis. These QR codes are stuck on objects like lamp posts, which when scanned with a smartphone camera, lead directly to an online drug marketplace.
- The website offers a variety of cannabis products that contain high amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of the plant. Payment is encouraged in untraceable cryptocurrency and bank transfers, and delivery is often completed within 24 hours via the Royal Mail. Other products include drug-packed ‘gummy’ sweets and vaping pens with up to 86% THC.
- Many of these stickers were found near a primary school, raising concerns about easy access to drugs for minors. Local authorities and the Met have been informed about the stickers, with the Met stating that they will pursue the criminals involved.
Drug Dealers Promote Skunk Cannabis via QR Codes Near School
Drug dealers are leveraging technology to drive potential buyers to their websites, which sell potent ‘skunk’ cannabis. They use QR codes placed on lamp posts, exploiting a tool typically used by conventional retailers to guide customers to online stores. Now, those searching for powerful drugs can find them on a seemingly legitimate website with a simple camera scan.
This tactic becomes more concerning as it was recently revealed that scammers were exploiting fake QR codes in countless straightforward scams. In one instance, a woman lost £13,000 after scanning a QR code at a car park in North Yorkshire, assuming she was paying for parking.
The Royal Mail often completes delivery within 24 hours, with payment preferred in untraceable cryptocurrency or bank transfers.
In recent weeks, hundreds of stickers bearing a cannabis leaf image, the phrase ‘get your delivery,’ and a QR code have appeared on lamp posts and other street furniture in South-East London’s Orpington and Bexleyheath areas. These QR codes link directly to an online drug supermarket that offers a range of cannabis products containing high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the plant’s psychoactive element.
Although some cannabis-derived products are now legal, those containing anything beyond trace amounts of THC remain Class B illegal drugs. The glossy website also sells colourful drug-laden ‘gummy’ sweets, similar in appearance to benign wine gums. Customers can also purchase vaping pens containing up to 86% THC.
These sweet flavours are likely to attract children. Some such products have resulted in comas for young consumers. The website encourages customers to follow the company on the encrypted chat app Telegram, a favorite among gangsters and terrorists.
The website inaccurately suggests that THC-loaded substances such as skunk and cannabis vapes are legal while simultaneously promising that ‘the contents of your parcel remain confidential.’ Many of these drug-promoting stickers were found near a primary school.
Both the London Borough of Bexley and the Met have been alerted about these stickers. A Met spokesperson stated that they would pursue the criminals involved in the production and supply of cannabis due to the negative community impact and their support of serious and organised crime.
A Royal Mail spokesperson noted that they work closely with the police to prevent such activities.
—
Read More Cannabis News
Leave a Comment