Drug Cartels Are Reportedly Using Grand Theft Auto To Recruit Runners

The Grand Theft Auto series is no stranger to controversy. Over the last several years, Grand Theft Auto V alone has been blamed for carjackings, muggings, and much of the general unpleasantness currently in the world.

Most of us know that simply pinning unfortunate events on video games is more often than not a pretty lazy way for those in charge to shift the blame.

Sadly, it's not always as simple as that. Nine years on from the game's 2013 release, North American law enforcement officials have reportedly uncovered evidence that suggests drug cartels have been using GTA V to recruit players to help them get drugs across the border.

A shocking new report from Forbes claims that real-life cartel members have been using GTA V's hugely popular Online spinoff to get players to aid drugs cartels in Mexico and the United States.

The report shares the story of American officials uncovering 60kg of methamphetamine in a young girl’s car. She told the authorities that she was coaxed into becoming a "runner" for a man she'd met while playing GTA Online.

After initial meetings in the game, the girl claims the pair would speak on Snapchat, where he reportedly offered her around $2,000 to smuggle electronics to sell in Mexico. It's unclear if the girl was aware that vehicle's gas tank was actually filled with narcotics. Regardless, she's been charged with possession and conspiracy to import and sell methamphetamine.

Officials on both sides of the border believe this was not an isolated incident, and will continue to monitor GTA Online in an effort to bust more cartels who may be using the game to enlist young players.

Topics: Grand Theft Auto, Rockstar Games