The Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC) has released a public safety notice in order to warn parents that children are using emojis to advertise, sell, and acquire illegal substances on social media and in electronic communication.
According to ONIC Executive Director Cynthia Peterman, this kind of emoji usage is becoming more popular around the country, and the analysis of electronic devices seized in current drug investigations has shown activity in Ohio related to the use of emojis in this way.
“The use of emojis in this manner is a nationwide trend, and our analysts are seeing it here in Ohio as they analyze electronic devices seized in ongoing drug investigations,” Peterman said.
According to Peterman, emojis used to communicate about drugs frequently allude to its pharmacological, psychological, or physical properties. Although she says that it’s crucial to remember that these meanings aren’t absolute and individuals can use emojis in other contexts, the employment of certain emojis in communications can be one sign of potential drug involvement.
Individuals can use emojis to represent specific drug classes Peterman said such as a peeled banana for oxycodone/Percocet, a step ladder for alprazolam/Xanax, a snail for fentanyl, or a palm tree for marijuana.
Generic uses of emojis include indicating a drug dealer with an electrical outlet plug or the cost of a drug by using a ticket stub from a concert. Other common metaphors include utilizing an astronaut, rocket, or a face with an exploding brain to convey the euphoria of drug usage and a flame, fuel pump, or goat to represent the high strength of a drug.
According to Peterman, although emoji use is typically harmless it can be an indicator of potential drug activity.
“Although use of these emojis is most often harmless, it’s important that parents keep this alert in mind, especially if their child is showing other signs of withdrawal or drug abuse,” Peterman said.
The specialist criminal intelligence unit called ONIC was established by an executive order signed by Governor Mike DeWine in July 2019 to support regional law enforcement in conducting intelligence-driven drug trafficking investigations. ONIC is run as a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety and has offices in Toledo, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus. Local law enforcement agencies and drug task forces around Ohio receive investigative, analytical, and digital forensic support from ONIC’s computer forensic experts and criminal intelligence analysts.
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Hannah Poling is a lead reporter at The Ohio Star and The Star News Network. Follow Hannah on Twitter @HannahPoling1. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “Emojis” by Domingo Alvarez E.
