In Denmark, opioids are alarmingly easy to buy through social media. A new investigation shows that it takes only a minute to contact an illegal dealer offering highly dangerous pills to young people.
Quick Access to Dangerous Pills
It only took the journalists from Denmark’s DR program *Kontant* one minute to make contact with a dealer selling opioids through the encrypted app Telegram. These drugs, which include tramadol, fentanyl, and oxycodone, are meant to be prescription-only but are often sold illegally. Opioids can quickly create dependency, even with short-term use, and overdoses can be lethal.
The investigation follows reports from young Danes who say getting opioids online is alarmingly simple. With just a Telegram or Snapchat profile, they can find a seller offering pills without a prescription.
Apps Used by Young People
Snapchat and Telegram are both popular among Danish youth. Snapchat allows users to share short-lived photos and videos, while Telegram focuses on encrypted messaging and private groups. Because of these features, both platforms have also become tools for illicit trading.
This ease of access mirrors a broader trend among social media platforms. A recent report showed that platforms like Snapchat are among the most frequently used by criminals targeting vulnerable young users.
Alarming Data Among Young Danes
Denmark’s Center for Substance Use Research found that nearly 10 percent of people between 15 and 25 have been offered opioids that were not prescribed by a doctor. The national survey from 2025 gathered over 2,100 responses across the country.
At Aarhus Substance Abuse Center, experts say they see young people experimenting with opioids at an increasingly early age. Many first obtain the drugs through friends, while others buy them through social media channels. Staff describe it as being as easy as “ordering a pizza.”
The Investigation in Action
To test the claims, the *Kontant* team set up an account on Telegram and quickly reached a dealer. Within 30 minutes, they agreed to meet for a transaction. A journalist, wearing a hidden microphone, went to the arranged location while the show’s host waited nearby to confront the person.
However, the deal was interrupted before the confrontation could take place. Later, the journalist called the Telegram account directly to discuss the illegal sale.
Platforms Respond to the Allegations
According to DR, both Telegram and Snapchat were contacted for comment. Telegram stated that selling illegal substances is banned on their platform and that such content is removed whenever it is detected. A Snapchat representative said the company has strict rules against drug trading and works regularly with authorities to protect users.
Despite these assurances, experts point to the continued spread of illegal activity online. Some researchers argue that stronger oversight is needed, while others warn that Danish proposals for online surveillance, such as the country’s Chat Control plan, could spark new privacy concerns across the EU.
The Wider Concerns About Online Risks
The opioid issue is part of a broader problem involving young people’s exposure to harmful online content. Studies in Denmark indicate that social media algorithms often push users toward risky or extreme behavior. A recent analysis highlighted how young users are frequently drawn toward radical or illegal content on these same platforms.
For communities, schools, and families, the findings from DR’s report serve as another warning that digital safety measures remain inadequate. Danish organizations continue calling for better education about online risks and stronger cooperation between tech companies and public authorities.
Sources and References
DR: Opioids are “Easily Accessible”: Offered Deadly Pills in One Minute
The Danish Dream: Young People Exposed to Extremist Content on Social Media
The Danish Dream: Snapchat Most Used for Grooming Danish Children
The Danish Dream: Danish Chat Control Plan Sparks EU Privacy Debate
