South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has issued a warning to families about the use of emojis by drug dealers to conceal illegal drug sales on social media and e-commerce platforms.
“Criminals are disguising deadly drugs behind a digital language of emojis that kids use every day,” Attorney General Wilson said. “As a father, I know how easily this can slip past parents. Just one pill can kill, and I urge every family in South Carolina to take note of these warning signs.”
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports that fake prescription pills, which may contain fentanyl or methamphetamine, are being sold online with the help of emojis as coded messages. These symbols act as “drug codes” to advertise substances without drawing attention from authorities or adults.
Attorney General Wilson emphasized the need for parental awareness: “These drug dealers are targeting our kids in the spaces where they feel safest, on their phones. Parents must be aware, vigilant, and proactive. Together, we can save lives and keep South Carolina’s children safe.”
Families seeking more information about emoji codes used in drug sales can refer to the DEA’s full Emoji Drug Code Guide available at https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2022-12/Emoji%20Drug%20Code%20Dec2022.pdf. Additional resources on counterfeit pills and prevention efforts can be found through the DEA’s #OnePillCanKill campaign at dea.gov/onepill.
