Same-day drug delivery offers advertised to towns across Mid Ulster including Dungannon and Cookstown

SOCIAL media posts offering apparent drug deliveries to towns throughout Co Tyrone have appeared on social media platform, X.

The posts, one of which said they could deliver to Cookstown, Dungannon, Omagh and more, featured pictures of what appears to be cannabis in its raw form or ready to use.

Recreational cannabis remains illegal in Northern Ireland, with possession and supply prohibited under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, except where authorised by law, including certain medicinal uses.

While its use among those referred to the Department of Health’s drugs misuse database has fallen over a tenth since 2016/17 - it still topped the list of drugs most commonly used by the 3,889 people referred in the 2024/25 financial year.

The Courier reported two accounts to X that appeared to be advertising cannabis for sale.

We reported the issue as a potential violation of X’s rules against “illegal and regulated behaviors”. However, X responded to say they didn’t believe it was a violation had occurred.

Their response read: “Our support team has determined that a violation of our Rules did not take place.”

Councillor and SDLP Assembly candidate, Malachy Quinn, says: “It is absolutely unacceptable that illegal drugs are being openly advertised on social media, with offers of same-day delivery to towns across Mid Ulster.

“The sheer brazenness of this is deeply concerning. We have no idea who is behind these accounts, whether organised criminal gangs are involved, or what other substances they may be selling.”

He added that “social media giants like X… must be held accountable for allowing their platforms to be used in this way”.

“They have a responsibility to identify and remove accounts promoting illegal drug sales, rather than allowing them to operate openly.”

“We know the devastating impact that drugs can have on individuals, families and entire communities. The last thing we need is social media making it easier for dealers to reach people, particularly young and vulnerable people.

“I would urge the PSNI to investigate these accounts and call on the social media companies to cooperate fully in identifying those responsible.”

Police have warned of the dangers of buying controlled drugs online after the posts appeared. A spokesperson for the Police Service of Northern Ireland says they are “conducting enquiries” into the content of the social media posts.

Superintendent Avine Kelly said: “We are committed to proactively tackling the issue of illegal drugs in Northern Ireland and the harm they bring to individuals and communities across the country.

“Drug supply and misuse is a vicious cycle that we need to collectively break, and we all have a part to play.

“We’d also caution the public on the dangers of buying controlled drugs over the internet, and the damaging effects it can have on both themselves and their loved ones.”

The Police Service for Northern Ireland, which celebrated 25 years of operation last week, has also urged anyone with “information about online accounts involved in drug supply or dealing we’d urge you to report it”.

Anyone wishing to speak to police can do so on 101 or make a report online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.