These innocent-looking emojis could be hiding nefarious messages, Ohio officials say
Share this @internewscast.com

Posted:

Updated:

CLEVELAND (WJW) — Concerning activity could be hiding behind friendly-looking text messages.

The Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC) is warning all parents about emojis that are reportedly being used on social media and cellphones to market, sell and buy illegal drugs. 

According to the ONIC, seeing certain emojis on your child’s phone could be an indication of possible drug activity, though emojis can be used in many other ways as well.

“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,” ONIC Executive Director Cynthia Peterman said. “Although the 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.”

According to the ONIC, emojis can refer to specific types of drugs, drug dealers and drug prices. For example:

  • ? = Oxycodone/Percocet
  • ? (Step ladder) = Alprazolam/Xanax
  • ? = Fentanyl
  • ? = Marijuana
  • ? = Drug dealer
  • ?️ = Price of a drug
  • ?/⛽/? = Potency of a drug
  • ?‍?/?/? = Describes the euphoria of drug use

To report a drug tip to ONIC, call 1-833-OHIO-NIC (644-6642).

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

GOP hopefuls slam Trump for comments praising Kim Jong Un

(The Hill) – Several Republican presidential hopefuls slammed former President Trump for…

Britney Spears works out in high heels, lace dress with Sam Asghari

These boots were made for workouts. Britney Spears shared a new Instagram…

Should I ask my schizophrenic baby mama for child support?

DEAR ABBY: I have a child with a woman I’ll call “Kara,”…

Nikki Haley's Mixed Bag of a CNN Town Hall Included One Incredibly Telling Attack

Though you may not have heard, Nikki Haley participated in a CNN-hosted…

SEC sues Binance and CEO Changpeng Zhao for U.S. securities violations

The Securities and Exchange Commission filed 13 charges against Binance, the world’s largest…

Email suggests Prince Andrew ‘lied’ about Jeffrey Epstein relationship

Prince Andrew faces fresh calls for FBI probe over his friendship with…

MTG Rages, Compares Herself to DeSantis as MAGA Base Turns on Her

Marjorie Taylor Greene continues her rage against the MAGA base. Greene is…

Mild recession possible as job numbers stay hot

Mild recession possible as job numbers stay hot – CBS News Watch…

Maybe this inconsistent team is exactly who 2023 Mets are

The Mets completed a homestand that defined their 2023 squad to date…

Prince Harry to testify in court in U.K. tabloid hacking trial

LONDON — Prince Harry is about to take his battle with the…

SAG-AFTRA could strike this month, joining WGA on picket lines

Hollywood and TV writers have been on strike for the past month —…

Marketing agency who introduced Bud Light to Dylan Mulvaney was sent into ‘panic mode’ after her ad

The ad agency that connected Dylan Mulvaney with Bud Light is reportedly in…