BRAZEN drug dealers are using the social media site Twitter to sell illegal substances in Furness.

Calls are being made for the social media giant to ban accounts using the site to advertise the sale of various drugs.

Some accounts on the site appear to be using Twitter as a shopfront to organise and sell substances in Barrow and Ulverston.

They are then directing people towards encrypted messaging apps to orchestrate deals.

Previous probes have shown how drug dealers are flooding the streets with substances including cocaine and cannabis and the touch of a button.

Barrow's MP Simon Fell is among those calling for the social media giant to take down posts advertising the sale of drugs.

He said: "It costs drug dealers nothing to set these accounts up but yet they can make thousands from each one and cause untold misery.

"These accounts are in direct breach of Twitter's terms and conditions and should be taken down. I will be raising this direct with Twitter UK.

"The incoming Online Safety Bill holds social media firms directly responsible for enforcing their T&C's and, if they fail to do so like in this case, they can be fined up to 10 per cent of global revenue.

"This is a clear example of why we need this law and how it will directly shield people in Barrow & Furness."  

The Mail:

 

Peter McCall, Cumbria's police and crime commissioner said: "I am appalled that anyone could be advertising the sale of any illegal substances brazenly using social media.  I have passed this information to the police and would urge anyone who comes across similar posts to do the same.

"I think social media platforms have a responsibility to monitor this type of activity and if these posts are genuine they should act to ensure they are taken down - preferably not posted in the first place.  

"It is cynical and totally irresponsible for those dealing illegal substances to use social media likely to be seen by vulnerable and young people - another reason why I would urge parents to be aware of their children’s social media activity."

Twitter was contacted for comment.

According to site policies, users 'may not use our service for any unlawful purpose or in furtherance of illegal activities', including' facilitating transactions in illegal goods or services, as well as certain types of regulated goods or services'.  

"Twitter takes the safety of our users seriously," its website says.

"In an effort to address the potential for real-world harm, we do not allow the use of Twitter for any unlawful behavior or to further illegal activities.

"This includes selling, buying, or facilitating transactions in illegal goods or services, as well as certain types of regulated goods or services. In some cases, we may ask you to contact a law enforcement agency and have them contact us via our law enforcement request page to ensure we have enough context to enforce this policy.

"In addition to reports received, we proactively surface activity that may violate this policy for human review. 

People can report drug dealing activity to 101 or at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit, and the relevant social media platforms.