Drugs on the Internet: Streeck warns of new danger for young people!

Drugs on the Internet: Streeck warns of new danger for young people!

More and more young people are at risk of being able to easily obtain drugs. The Federal Drug Commissioner Hendrik Streeck (CDU) warns urgently about the alarming situation. "The availability of drugs on the Darknet and on the normal Internet is increasing rapidly. They can be delivered directly to teenagers' rooms, for example by taxi," explains Streeck. This development creates major problems in the area of ​​youth protection. The list of dangerous substances is long, ranging from fentanyl to synthetic opioids like Nitazene, which can even be fatal in small amounts. Particularly worrying is the phenomenon of crack, which can lead to permanent addiction after just a single puff of the pipe. “It causes massive health damage and aggressive behavior,” warns Streeck.

The situation becomes even more complicated when you consider that drug sales are increasingly taking place via messenger services and social media platforms. How jugendschutz.net reports, illegal businesses on the Internet have already reached a worrying level. “The danger not only affects young people with active drug contacts, but also those who have not previously had any points of contact,” according to a current assessment. Even nitrous oxide is consumed over the Internet, which can cause health problems.

Alarming developments on the dark web

Since the emergence of digital black markets like “Silk Road,” drug trafficking on the dark web has become increasingly easier. Anonymous orders are now possible with special software solutions, which poses a real challenge for investigators. Over 50% of the websites on the Tor network have legal content; yet about 4% deal in drugs. The Federal Agency for Civic Education has found that crypto drug markets offer higher quality products compared to traditional markets. This helps attract young people looking for a quick fix.

"The opportunity to have drugs conveniently delivered to their home attracts many people. Easy access in particular can have fatal consequences for young people," says Streeck. The risk is high, especially for consumers with low stamina or moderate impulse control. A nationwide early warning system for rescue workers and specialists in addiction support therefore seems to be urgently needed in order to take preventive action.

Shared responsibility

Together with society, we must rise to the challenge and find ways to reduce the risks associated with drug use. Streeck demands that the platforms that host such content must also take responsibility. Content that trivializes drug consumption should therefore be urgently reported. In order to master this task, jugendschutz.net provides a notification form.

Concerns about the increase in drug use and the dangers associated with it are not unfounded. The issue requires urgent action. It is up to us to protect young people while living in a digitalized world where drug trafficking thrives in a variety of places.