WASHINGTON: US prosecutors in Virginia are probing whether Facebook-parent Meta’s (META.O) social media platforms facilitated and profited from the illegal sale of drugs, the Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday, citing documents and people familiar with the matter.
Documents and sources familiar with the matter revealed that prosecutors have issued summons and conducted inquiries as part of a criminal grand jury probe into Meta’s potential involvement in the illicit drug trade. They have also sought records related to drug content and transactions on Meta’s platforms.
The investigation has reportedly been assisted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), although both the prosecutors’ office and the FDA declined to comment on the matter to the Wall Street Journal.
Illicit Drugs Sale Allegations Against Meta
Meta, however, emphasized its commitment to combating the sale and distribution of illicit drugs, stating that such activities are against its policies. A Meta spokesperson reiterated the company’s proactive cooperation with law enforcement authorities to remove illicit drug-related content from its services.
In response to the allegations, Meta’s president of global affairs, Nick Clegg, announced on social media platform X that the company had partnered with the US State Department, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and Snapchat to combat the sale of synthetic drugs online and raise awareness about associated risks.
At present, Meta, the FDA, and the Virginia Attorney General’s office have yet to respond to requests for comment from Reuters.
