COLUMBUS, Ohio -- It’s common these days to use emojis in a text message or when commenting on a social media post.

But, the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC) is warning parents that emoticons can have a much darker meaning.


What You Need To Know

  • The Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC) is warning parents that emojis are being used to buy and sell illegal drugs
  • Emojis used in these drug communications commonly refer to the physical, psychological, or physiological characteristics of the drugs
  • Emojis are also being used in generic ways to denote a drug dealer 

​The ONIC said emojis are being used by youth on social media and via text message and email as a way to discreetly buy and sell illegal drugs.

Emojis used in these drug communications commonly refer to the physical, psychological or physiological characteristics of the drugs, according to the ONIC.

The presence of these emojis in communications can be one indication of possible drug activity, but the ONIC said it’s important to note that these meanings are not definitive and emojis can be used in other ways.

An example of a string of emojis being used to discreetly sell and buy drugs (Spectrum News 1)

“The use of emojis in this manner is a nationwide trend, and our analysts are seeing it here in Ohio as they analyze electronic devices seized in ongoing drug investigations,” said Cynthia Peterman, ONIC executive director. “Although use of these emojis is most often harmless, it’s important that parents keep this alert in mind, especially if their child is showing other signs of withdrawal or drug abuse.”

Emojis can refer to specific types of drugs, such as a peeled banana for oxycodone/Percocet, a step ladder for alprazolam/Xanax, a snail for fentanyl or a palm tree for marijuana.

According to the ONIC, emojis are also being used in generic ways to denote a drug dealer with an electrical outlet plug or the price of a drug by using a concert ticket stub. Other general references include using a flame, gasoline pump, or goat to depict the high potency of a drug and an astronaut, rocket, or face with an exploding brain to describe the euphoria of drug use.

To report a drug tip to ONIC, please call 1-833-OHIO-NIC (644-6642).

Gov. Mike DeWine signed an executive order in July 2019 creating ONIC, a specialized criminal intelligence unit to assist local law enforcement in conducting intelligence-driven drug trafficking investigations. Operated as part of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, ONIC has locations in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo. ONIC’s criminal intelligence analysts and computer forensic specialists provide investigative, analytical and digital forensic support to local law enforcement agencies and drug task forces throughout Ohio.