EXCLUSIVE: Brazen dealers flogging Class A drugs via social media in Edinburgh

A Forth News investigation has uncovered the open sale of illegal Class-A drugs in Edinburgh on multiple social media platforms.

We've found examples of dealers peddling substances like cocaine and crystal meth on mainstream websites then using messaging apps such as 'Whatsapp' and 'Kik' to communicate with potential buyers.

Brazen dealers are even offering to deliver the drugs to home addresses - and in one example we saw a seller offering delivery by DRONE.

We presented our findings to DCI Paul Grainger from Police Scotland.

He said: "Obviously I'm concerned. Drugs is a priority for us and our whole aim is to keep people safe. As part of that we would take any opportunity to do that.

"As in any drug transaction, the person buying has no idea what they are buying or what chemicals are contained within any substance. I would urge people to take care and not purchase drugs off anybody.

"I suppose social media facilitates all forms of communication. Rather than having to see someone in person or hear through hear-say, it is another medium in which people communicate. I would be concerned about the impact on children and what they are able to see and access."

Dave Barrie from anti-drugs charity Addaction said: "We're concerned as an organisation that it appears that there are easy available ways of obtaining illicit drugs.

"We have heard some of our clients purchasing drugs through this. It is concerning because it does seem to be alarmingly easy to use if you have a smartphone.

"People don't really know what they are purchasing, so there is going to be an element of risk involved in any illict drug purchase. This is a new emerging route to obtain illicit drugs."

Listen to our reporter Hope Webb's report on her investigation here: