JeffCo is warning area parents that Facebook and other social media sites are targeting underage teens for the buying and selling of drugs, including marijuana. (Jeff Chiu, Associated Press file)

Are Facebook groups selling illegal drugs to kids?

Jefferson County prosecutors are warning parents about groups on Facebook and other social media websites designed to help youths buy illegal drugs.

The First Judicial District Attorney’s office discovered a secret group called “Fly Society 420” which appears to serve as a platform for buying and selling drugs, according to a news release from the office. The Child Sex Offender Internet Investigations unit found the group on Facebook and have identified several members as underage youth.

Many of the members do not use their real names and not all members of the group have actually bought or sold drugs. But prosecutors say the group still raises concern.

The underage teenagers who have been identified attend school both inside and outside the metro area. Investigators with the DA’s office are working with the Jeffco Public Schools and school resource officers to contact the identified teenagers and their parents.

None of the identified teenagers face any criminal charges, the release said.

Drugs being purchased and sold in the group include marijuana, marijuana concentrate, prescription drugs and LSD.

Once a buyer and seller connected within the group, they would exchange information on a different platform.

The Facebook group was not public. An administrator — one of the people who helped create the group — had to approve anyone who was a member.

“Social media comes with potential dangers as well as advantages. This secret site facilitates the sale of drugs. Many of the kids using the site are not buying or selling drugs, but they are being exposed to the criminal activity,” District Attorney Pete Weir said in a statement.

After the “Fly Society 420” group was discovered, the West Metro Drug Task Force started investigating the case. Investigators identified one adult they believe to be an administrator for the group.

Christopher Bouma, 23, has been arrested and charged with three counts of distributing a controlled substance.

The district attorney’s office contacted Facebook and the group has since been shut down.

This story was first published on DenverPost.com