SA drug dealers fly under police radar on gaming message app Discord

Drug traders are making the most of online encrypted platforms to sell across Adelaide but authorities say they will be uncovered.

Drug dealers are dodging the law, hiding under a veil of anonymity on an encrypted app used by children.

Instant messaging service Discord hosts hundreds of drug-related communities, where users buy and sell illicit drugs with anonymous usernames.

SA Police has raised concerns about online drug sales, while the state’s police minister has put on notice those who choose to participate in the illegal trade, warning they will be caught.

Originally designed for video game discussions, Discord’s anonymity is being exploited by drug dealers to sell cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, ecstasy, LSD and other substances.

The app is similar to Reddit and allows users of any age to create “servers”, where communities instantaneously message and share media about any topic.

SA Police said in a statement: “(We) are aware that controlled substances are sold on a variety of online platforms. It is concerning that drugs are sold in the community in both online and physical environments where young people have a presence.”

Sellers advertise using different tactics.

Drugs advertised for sale at Woodville South.

The most common areas of advertisement are in Adelaide’s northern and southern suburbs, particularly Elizabeth, Paralowie, Gawler, Morphett Vale, Christies Beach and Noarlunga.

Dealers offer pick-up and delivery, advertising short “drop” times of less than an hour depending on location.

A former online dealer told the Sunday Mail that Discord was appealing to both buyers and sellers due to its encryption and anonymity.

“Compared to Snapchat, Discord is like another step removed. It’s totally anonymous and incredibly hard to trace back to the user if you use a burner email and fake details,” the former online dealer said.

“At one point, I ran a server with over 1000 people on it and, being a key figure there, would move a lot of cash every week.”

Marijuana advertised as “top quality bud” by a seller at Morphett Vale.

Ketamine posted for sale in Gawler.

The former dealer said app users would often meet in fast-food outlet car parks: “You’d meet someone and they’d jump in your car, you exchange the purchase and then drop them back.”

Most drug-related servers are private and invitation-only to prevent users being discovered by authorities. But it is not only Discord online dealers have turned to.

Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, Instagram and Wickr are all used to buy and sell drugs.

Some Facebook Messenger groups have up to 500 people at a time, with a waiting list for those wanting to buy drugs.

Snapchat’s instantaneous message deletion system, which deletes a message after the receiver has read it, ensures anonymity.

South Australian Network of Drug and Alcohol Services chief executive Michael White said: “There’s a really strong association between these technological developments and the risks of harm.

“It comes down to people being able to have really robust conversations about … drugs and alcohol and other behaviours and managing the risks of using those things and reducing the harms.”

Police Minister Vincent Tarzia. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Kelly Barnes

SA Police did not confirm whether a specific approach was being taken to stop drug sales on Discord.

“Drug trafficking in both physical and online environments pose a threat to community safety, and police are committed to adopting innovative practices to disrupt and apprehend people who sell controlled drugs,” police said in a statement.

Police Minister Vincent Tarzia said those who chose to deal drugs would be caught.

“Drug pushers are a scourge on society,” he said. “They endanger lives and risk their freedom for money and greed.

“Apps aren’t foolproof and police are watching.

“Choose to deal drugs and you will be caught.”

If you would like to speak to someone about an alcohol or drug problem contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service on 1300 13 13 40 or visit knowyouroptions.sa.gov.au