Read the terrifying Instagram messages creeps send unsuspecting teenagers to lure them into becoming DRUG MULES
Canadian teenagers are being unknowingly recruited as drug mules after sinister Instagram messages offered them jobs as 'international package shippers.'
One teen, who goes by the name Jade, found out the hard way after she was arrested upon arrival in Hong Kong with 25 kilos of cocaine in her suitcase at just 19 years old.
As a result, the Cambridge, Ontario native is now left with just a 10-minute slot to talk to her family over the phone from behind bars each month.
The teenager found herself behind bars after a series of haunting Instagram messages enticed her into what she thought was a legitimate job - an 'international package shipper,' CTV News reported.
Jade's mother, Naderia, discovered the 'sickening' tactics on her daughter's laptop.
'He's rolling up a snowball and tossing it in hell,' she said.
Jade had responded to a user's Instagram story in September, and said: 'I'm curious what's it about??'
'Hey! It's an on board courier job! I'll send over a brief description, if you have any other questions after that [let me know],' the account responded.
Jade, 19, was arrested after arriving in Hong Kong with 25 kilos of cocaine after she had been lured into becoming a drug mule by recruiters selling the work as completely legal and legitimate
The 'international package shippers' were instructed to check in every two minutes after landing and to use the serial number on currency as a password for picking up and delivering suitcases
The job would entail a person to pick up and 'securely transport' small packages, fly to designated international destinations, deliver packages to specified recipients or drop-off points, maintain clear communication throughout transit and ensure on-time and safe delivery
A company under the name 'Nickle Shipping' would allegedly pay her $2,000-$7,000 in cash for every trip she made, according to messages from Instagram user Cameron Desousa, who sent direct messages to Jade's account.
The job description said the 'company' was looking for 'reliable, responsible individuals who can transport and hand-deliver small packages internationally.'
'This is a contract-based, cash-paid opportunity ideal for frequent flyers, digital nomads or anyone who travels internationally and wants to earn some extra income,' the message read.
The job would entail a person to pick up and 'securely transport' small packages, fly to designated international destinations, deliver packages to specified recipients or drop-off points, maintain clear communication throughout transit and ensure on-time and safe delivery, text messages obtained by the outlet show.
Jade's first job was set to pay her $5,000, and the teenager described it as a 'dream.'
'Like it's not even real,' she said.
If she helped recruit others to the job, she would also earn an additional '$250 per person.'
The user told her that as long as she was over eighteen with no criminal record and a valid passport she would be 'good to go.'
Jade's parents discovered the 'sickening' messages on the teen's laptop, and they now can only speak with their daughter for ten minutes a month
Jade was skeptical about the job more than once, but was reassured that the work was legal and that she would be safe by the recruiter
'We pay your flights, accommodation, food,' the recruiter said.
Jade was instructed to send a video to the recruiter verifying her address. CTV obtained a video of Jade walking out of her home and showing the camera the number of her house above her garage.
The teen was skeptical at times, once asking: 'How do I know I'm not about to be kidnapped and enslaved?'
To which, the Instagram user responded: 'Omg hell no. I'm 19 myself and would NOT put anyone in danger like that. I send all my closest homies and I've even sent my girl best friend as well.'
'Purely business,' he tagged on the end, adding that he would also be recruiting his girlfriend when she finished school.
'I do not wanna go to jail anytime soon! I'm just looking to give people opportunities. Win win for all parties.'
But Jade felt that the job was like a dream come true, and even had to have free in-flight meals explained to her by the recruiter.
'This is luxury, I feel too poor to have this,' Jade said.
Omar turned 21 while in a Hong Kong prison after he was roped into the scam by acquaintances, and said he believes the recruiters are still trying to trick young people
From the same region in Canada, Omar celebrated his 21st birthday behind bars in Hong Kong after falling victim to the same scam.
He had been enticed by acquaintances who told him that many other young people had done similar work and that it was completely legal.
Omar told CTV News reporter Avery Haines inside the Hong Kong jail that he believes the scam is still ongoing.
When asked if he thinks they are continuing attempts to recruit other young people, Omar reportedly said: 'I know they are. I know that they're trying to get more people and they're going to end up in prison just like me.'
All four teenagers were flown via the same airline, booked into the same hotel and handed the same instructions.
According to the outlet, they were instructed to check in every two minutes after landing and to use the serial number on currency as a password for picking up and delivering suitcases.
They all said the 'big boss,' who went by the name DOT, communicated with them through encrypted messaging apps and his handle was just a period.
The cocaine market in Hong Kong is appealing to many drug dealers, as it is the drug of choice among the richer and more affluent population, the outlet reported.
Cocaine sells for around $200 a gram, which is more than double the price in Canada, the outlet discovered.
All four Canadians face life sentences behind bars if they cannot prove they were unaware of the packages contents, CTV News reported.
