Telegrass

Telegrass was a cannabis distribution network in Israel with over 200,000 members. It used the messaging application Telegram, which offers encrypted messaging features.[1] The network enabled anonymous cannabis delivery and provided an option for users to rate the products and the vendors.[2][3]

It was estimated that Telegrass generated revenues of 60 million NIS monthly. According to Haaretz, there were more than 70,000 Telegrass users and over 1,300 dealers, with numbers constantly increasing.[4] The Times of Israel reported that there are over 100,000 registered users. Telegrass was founded by Amos Silver, a 33-year-old Israeli activist.[5]

In March 2019, the Israeli and Ukrainian police arrested the leaders of Telegrass, including the CEO.[6][7] Silver was extradited to Israel in August 2019.[8][9]

Telegrass ceased operations on 23 July 2023.[10]

References

  1. ^ "Messaging app dope-dealing ring busted in Israel". news.yahoo.com. 12 March 2019.
  2. ^ Cannabis magazine
  3. ^ Cannabis magazine
  4. ^ haaretz.com 'It's Like Uber, but for Weed': Meet the Man Who Revolutionized Israel's Pot Trade
  5. ^ timeout.com The need for weed: an interview with Telegrass' very own Amos Silver
  6. ^ "Telegrass operators arrested in massive police arrest operation - Israel News - Jerusalem Post". The Jerusalem Post. 12 March 2019.
  7. ^ Breiner, Josh (12 March 2019). "Israel Police Arrest Top Members of Telegrass Online Drug Ring". Haaretz.
  8. ^ “Telegrass founder extradited to Israel after being arrested in Ukraine”, The Jerusalem Post 18 August 2019 (jpost.com)
  9. ^ Grasshopper Delivery
  10. ^ "Telegrass page, announcement about the closure of Telegrass, on Facebook, 23 July 2023". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2023-10-22.