Student Caught Distributing Drugs Through An iOS App

Apple has been known to have a very strict and almost rigid review process for apps that make it onto its App Store, but every now and then we learn about apps that should have been blocked, but yet make it past the reviewers anyway. More recently it was discovered that an app on the App Store was used by a college student to facilitate drug deals, but at this time of posting, the app still remains up for download.

The app was created by Collin Riley Howard, a student at UC Santa Cruz, where it seems like a rather innocuous game. However according to the authorities, it was discovered that Howard had actually created the app to facilitate his drug deals with his customers, but how exactly he went about doing that is unclear at this point in time.

Howard has since been accused of distributing drugs such as marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, “Molly”, and “Shrooms”. Customers were also invited to make special requests of their own for other controlled substances. If found guilty of the charges, Howard could face jail time and a fine.

It’s odd that the app is still available on the App Store, especially with Apple’s policies against apps that encourage the consumption of drugs. “Apps that encourage consumption of tobacco products, illegal drugs, or excessive amounts of alcohol are not permitted on the App Store. Apps that encourage minors to consume any of these substances will be rejected. Facilitating the sale of marijuana, tobacco, or controlled substances (except for licensed pharmacies) isn’t allowed.”

Tyler Lee
Categories: Apple, Cellphones
Tags: Apps, iOS, Legal