Cork drug dealer using Snapchat to sell cocaine, Xanax and cannabis

A CORK drug dealer is using Snapchat to attract new customers, offering everything from boxes of Xanax to cocaine.

The social media account, which is private and prohibits screenshots, was seen by The Echo.

Footage on the social media platform refers to its items up for sale through code words such as "snowflakes available" and "hitting the white." 

One of its latest videos provides followers with a guide to mixing cocktails incorporating dangerous ingredients such as cough syrup.

Posts on the Snapchat account suggest that business is booming as customers are warned to "be fast or be last!" 

Another message reads: "Get at my bro for the lemon tree packs and the real pharmacy Xanax. Call the phone number or bump messages.. serious enquiries only."

Once orders are made, it's understood that teenagers are used to drop off the drugs to the customers. 

The account features a phone number, catchy music and images of fancy packaging, all geared towards a younger customer base.

It is not the only Snapchat account in Cork facilitating the sale of drugs.

Another account, which invites people to buy drugs, features a strict set of rules for users and warns against window shopping.

The Echo contacted Snapchat and gardaí about the issue. A spokesperson for Snapchat blasted the user's actions.

"It is completely prohibited to use Snapchat for any illegal activities – including to buy or sell illegal drugs, contraband, counterfeit goods or illegal weapons," the spokesperson said. 

"This is laid out clearly in our community guidelines and terms of service. We encourage any Snapchatter who sees something like this - or any other violating content or activity - to report it using our easy in-app reporting tools. Our Trust and Safety team takes swift action against any accounts that violate our Community Guidelines and Terms of Service."

A Garda spokesperson urged anyone who witnesses evidence of drug use to contact Gardaí.

The Echo recently revealed how teens are distributing drugs for dealers to pay off debts they've accumulated from cocaine use.

Gardai and treatment providers in Cork had said that cocaine is rampant on the city's streets, as a report from the Health Research Board highlights a 50% increase in the number of people seeking treatment for cocaine use in Ireland over the last year.