A network allegedly involved in street-level drug dealing may have found a new way to distribute illegal substances in Oaxaca: using delivery drivers who pretended to make food deliveries through digital platforms such as DiDi and Rappi.
The operation was detected by state and federal security forces after authorities identified the alleged sale and distribution of illegal products, narcotics, and controlled substances, including substances reportedly intended for minors.
The operation involved officers from the Oaxaca Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection, investigative agents from the State Attorney General’s Office, and personnel from the Center for Control, Command, Communication, Coordination, and Intelligence (C5).
A 911 Call Helped Detect the Operation
According to Bernardo Rodríguez Alamilla, the State Attorney General, a 911 call alerted authorities to a new method allegedly being used by groups involved in street-level drug dealing.
The information was later corroborated through C5 surveillance cameras, which allowed authorities to identify part of the way the deliveries were being carried out.
According to authorities, the substances were transported to different locations throughout the city and delivered to minors by individuals pretending to be food delivery drivers.
Suspect Arrested While Allegedly Delivering Marijuana Brownies
During an initial operation, authorities arrested a man who was operating under the DiDi logo while allegedly delivering a package of brownies made with marijuana to three minors.
The incident occurred at a residence in the northern part of Oaxaca City.
The suspect was identified as “El Erick” or “El Didi.” According to the information provided by authorities, at the time of his arrest he was also found in possession of 40 packages containing synthetic drugs, allegedly hidden inside bags of chips and other snacks.
The distribution method attracted the attention of authorities because the products could be transported and delivered while appearing to be ordinary food orders.
Social Media Was Another Method Used to Offer Drugs
The investigation also reportedly established that the substances were being marketed through pages and profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram.
According to authorities, different types of illegal substances were openly offered through these platforms.
Marijuana in different forms was reportedly one of the most commonly marketed substances. Authorities also detected the alleged sale of vapes, resins, and candies containing THC.
The products allegedly offered by these criminal networks also included hallucinogenic mushrooms and substances such as LSD.
Delivery Drivers Were Allegedly Used to Transport Orders
One of the main methods used to deliver the substances to buyers was through delivery drivers working for DiDi and Rappi.
According to the investigation, some workers may have received the packages without knowing what they contained because the platforms’ policies prevent them from opening or inspecting the products they transport.
However, in the cases detected by authorities, some delivery drivers were arrested after allegedly being linked to the transportation of drugs.
The investigation indicates that although some workers may not have known what the packages contained, authorities considered them allegedly involved in the criminal operation.
The case highlights a distribution method that combines street-level drug dealing, social media, and delivery services, using apparently ordinary orders to transport illegal substances to different locations throughout the city.
Source: msn
