Fake vape shops on Google Maps used to sell drugs openly in Cork City

Homes and businesses in Cork have been falsely listed as vape shops on Google Maps to advertise drugs including THC vapes, ecstasy and LSD.

Cork drug sellers hiding behind fake vape shop listings on Google Maps

As irishexaminer.com reports, homes, businesses and vacant properties across Cork City have been falsely listed on Google Maps as vape shops — fronts used to direct customers to encrypted messaging apps where drugs are openly advertised for sale.

The substances on offer include THC vapes, ecstasy, LSD and psychoactive mushrooms. The listings have caused significant disturbance for residents whose addresses were used without their knowledge, sending strangers to their front doors.

Irish Examiner reporter Alex Cunningham spent weeks investigating the scheme, speaking with affected residents, making contact with those behind the fake accounts, and tracing how drug sellers are exploiting online platforms to reach buyers.

Cunningham discussed the findings on The Deirdre O'Shaughnessy Podcast, outlining the scale of the problem and the methods used by those running the listings to remain difficult to identify and shut down.

Source: Google News IE — Crime (en)