EXCLUSIVE: Young people across South Wales buying Class A drugs online
Our investigation reveals drugs as severe as meth and heroin are available to young people on social media
We're exposing how simple social media apps are allowing teenagers to buy the most severe drugs at the click of a button.
It comes as UK Government statistics reveal there were 16,212 children (aged 17 and under) in alcohol and drug treatment between April 2024 and March 2025.
This is a 13% increase from the previous year (14,352).
Our investigation reveals more and more younger people are sourcing and buying drugs from anonymous profiles on world-wide social media apps.
18-year-old 'Alex' in Cardiff, who's name we've changed, says there are often group chats with hundreds of people - all looking to buy drugs.
He explains the apps seem appealing as the profiles don't show personal identification.
"There's no link back to it. My name's not even on it and the police can't track it or no-one can track back"
Alex says the group chats have access to the most serious drugs available.
"They've got mushrooms, Codeine. Diazepam, Ecstasy, meth and even heroin"
Following our interview with 'Alex', we took our findings to Detective Superintendent Mark Lewis from South Wales Police.
He warns how drugs bought online are often cut with dangerous and deadly chemicals:
“My message to those buying drugs online is to stop and think about the consequences. Aside from the obvious dangers of taking drugs to your physical and mental health, you could end up with a criminal record, which risks your personal credibility, your education and future prospects."
Figures from Public Health Wales show that opioids continue to drive the majority of drug misuse deaths
In 2024, 417 drug poisoning deaths were registered in Wales, a rise from 377 from the previous year. Of these, 288 were drug misuse deaths — the highest number ever recorded
SI Lewis continued how they currently have a large number of active investigations into illegal drug sellers on social media.
“To those selling drugs and thinking they are getting away with it, I’ll remind them that we have teams of specially trained officers who are on their heels.
"Intelligence led proactive patrols take place throughout south Wales daily, with teams trained to detect and disrupt drug dealing. We act on all the information that is available to us today and won’t hesitate to take retrospective action using the information that is available to us tomorrow.”
The issue of drug dealers targeting young people online is not just a Wales-specific problem according to the force.
The UK Government responded to our report, saying they're working with the National Crime Agency to target criminals selling drugs online, including on the dark web.
A UK Government spokesperson said:
“We are cracking down on drug gangs that cause violence and exploit vulnerable people - both on our streets and online.
“Under the Online Safety Act, tech companies must remove illegal drug sales content from their platforms. If they don't, they face heavy fines or could have their sites blocked by Ofcom.
Following our investigation, a statement from South Wales Police said:
“Drug dealers will maximise every opportunity to reach potential customers and social media, including messaging platforms, provide quick, easy and seemingly anonymous methods for them to do that.
“There is mounting pressure on big tech companies to ensure their policies are more in line with the needs of authorities tackling this type of criminality.
“But these are changes which will not happen overnight and South Wales Police is working closely with UK police forces, Regional Organised Crime Units and the National Crime Agency to tackle this emerging problem."
There is more on this story on our stations and podcast 'Behind the Headlines'.