A recent analysis carried out by CBC News revealed that illicit drugs, including heroin, cocaine, and ecstasy (MDMA) are being openly advertised online, purchased through commercial websites, and delivered to buyers via Canada Post. Specifically, CBC journalists conducted a review of social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, and documented hundreds of ads offering illegal drugs, which could be linked directly to websites where they could be purchased.
Moreover, the journalists also exchanged messages with individuals who have been buying these drugs online and interviewed one of them. “The first time I was like, OK, it’s not true, it’s a scam,” said the interviewee “John,” who chose to remain anonymous. “You go on the website and it’s very easy.” After coming across professionally presented drug advertisements on social media, John, who had previously overcome addiction, ordered cocaine online, received it through delivery by Canada Post, and confirmed upon delivery that the package contained real cocaine.
In her interview with CBC News, Maude Choinière, a social worker who conducts drug testing at a harm reduction clinic in Quebec, said an increasing number of individuals have been bringing in drug samples to be tested after purchasing them online via ads posted on social media. “We’ve known about it for a while, so we thought it was pretty much common knowledge,” she said. “We were surprised at first, but now it’s becoming [normal]. I mean, I wouldn’t say half of what we test is [purchased online], but I’d say it’s a good portion of the drugs we test.”
As part of the investigation, CBC Ottawa identified hundreds of ads linking to multiple illicit drug-selling websites, which a forensic analysis by CBC’s Visual Investigations Unit found to be highly sophisticated. In addition, the websites were frequently changing domains and using advanced privacy tools to conceal their digital footprint and location. “It’s just remarkable how they rely on this privacy industry,” said Ivan Angelovski, a forensic analyst with the VIU. “Some of these privacy tools were created to help regular people … not to be tracked by these big internet businesses, but they’re using those same systems to basically do criminal work.”
Importantly, while the websites’ digital architecture may be complex, they also operate in plain view online, with drug advertisements appearing on widely used social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook. Furthermore, both Meta and Canada Post declined in-person interviews with CBC, but both said they remove flagged content or parcels. Specifically, Meta described enforcement as a large-scale, ongoing challenge and Canada Post reported the removal of 5,662 illegal items in 2024.
According to law enforcement officials, coordinated efforts using advanced cyber tools are underway, as illicit websites continue to reappear under new addresses. “Through coordinated investigations, advanced cyber tools, and strong partnerships … we are actively targeting individuals and networks profiting from the sale of illicit substances online,” said an RCMP spokesperson in their email to CBC News.
