BBC investigation finds drug-laced vapes sold to teenagers via Snapchat
Undercover reporters bought vape liquids advertised as THC that later tested positive for synthetic cannabinoid 'spice', prompting health and safety concerns
A BBC investigation has found that vape liquids advertised and sold through Snapchat to young people contained synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as "spice," after being marketed as THC products.
Reporters acting undercover used Snapchat to message sellers and arrange purchases. One encounter in Warwickshire involved a dealer who agreed to sell what he claimed were THC vape liquids to a person he believed to be a schoolgirl. Samples bought during the operation were later tested and returned positive results for spice, a synthetic drug that can be significantly more potent than cannabis and has been linked to severe adverse effects.
The BBC described ordering the products as "as easy as picking up pizza," saying dealers posted adverts on Snapchat and arranged local meet-ups for cash collection. Teenagers interviewed by the broadcaster said they had not initially realised they were vaping spice, with some parents raising alarm after noticing changes in their children's behaviour.
Synthetic cannabinoids are man-made chemicals that act on the same brain receptors as THC but can produce unpredictable and sometimes severe effects, including agitation, hallucinations, seizures and cardiovascular problems. Public health experts and clinicians have warned that users, particularly adolescents, face heightened risks because the strength and composition of street products can vary widely.
The undercover work, carried out by BBC Midlands Investigations, aimed to expose how social media platforms can be used to advertise and distribute illegal substances to minors. The outlet published the findings after laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of synthetic cannabinoids in the purchased liquids. The sellers had represented the liquids as containing THC, the main psychoactive component of cannabis, which is itself illegal to sell in vape form in the UK.
Parents who spoke to the BBC said they had first spotted worrying symptoms in their children after vaping and turned to social media posts from other concerned families for answers. The investigation highlighted how easily devices and liquids can be obtained online or via messaging apps, often with minimal verification of buyers' ages.
The findings add to ongoing public health concerns about the rise in disposable vapes and the potential for these products to be tampered with or substituted with more dangerous substances. Health officials have previously warned against vaping products of unknown origin and urged parents and schools to be vigilant for signs of substance misuse.
The BBC report did not include a police response in its initial publication, but it called attention to the need for tighter controls on online marketplaces and greater scrutiny of how social media platforms police advertisements for illicit goods. The investigation has prompted renewed calls from parents and public health advocates for stronger protections to prevent children from accessing harmful substances through digital channels.