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By Naomi Hernandez | PUEBLA, Mexico – 2025/08/30 09:14:32
The internet has made shopping incredibly convenient, but it has also opened the door to a disturbing trend: the easy acquisition of dangerous objects, often disguised as harmless everyday items. This issue gained prominence after a tragic incident in Coronango, where a child under 14 died after shooting himself with a “tactical pen” purchased online without his parents’ knowledge.
The availability of these items on e-commerce platforms and online marketplaces, sometimes even on the dark web, poses a meaningful challenge to consumer safety.
Beyond pen-shaped pistols, a variety of potentially dangerous items can be easily purchased online, often circumventing strict regulations. These objects are frequently disguised as common items or marketed as harmless gadgets.
The acquisition of dangerous objects through the Internet is a growing problem.
Examples of Easily acquired Dangerous Objects
Camouflaged Sharp Objects
comb Knife: Resembling an ordinary comb,the handle conceals a sharp blade.
Credit Card Knife: Foldable knife the size of a credit card.
cane with Hidden blade: A walking cane that conceals a sword or dagger.
Keychain Knife: Appears as a simple keychain but hides a retractable blade.
Firearms and Replicas
Hidden Guns: Disguised as pens, flashlights, cell phones, or lighters.
Realistic Airsoft Guns: Can be used for intimidation or modified for increased damage.
Blank Firing Guns: While firing blanks, some can be modified to use real ammunition.
camouflaged Electrical Devices
Flashlight Stun Guns: Functions as a regular flashlight but delivers an electric shock.
fake Cell Phone Stun guns: Looks like a smartphone but is an electric weapon.
Stun Lighters: Appears harmless but can momentarily immobilize someone.
“Personal Defense” Objects with high Risk
Tactical Pen: Looks like a normal pen but has a hardened tip for striking or breaking glass.
Kubotan: Small cylindrical self-defense weapon, frequently enough on a keychain, with pointed ends.
Pepper Spray: Disguised in perfume containers,deodorant,or lipstick.
Cat-Shaped Keychains: With pointed ears, used as knuckle dusters.
Ninja Stars: Marketed as collectible items.
Crossbows and mini Bows: Sold as toys but can be lethal at close range.
Many of these dangerous objects are easily found on social networks and conventional e-commerce platforms, not requiring access to the dark web.
Platforms like Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, and Mercado Libre offer items such as tactical knives, pepper sprays, industrial tools, non-certified lithium batteries, and “toys” like pen-guns, often without strict controls.
On Instagram, Facebook Marketplace, TikTok shop, and Telegram, products like personal defense keychains, automatic knives, and self-defense devices are advertised as “protection tools” or “educational toys.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: what types of dangerous objects are commonly sold online?
A: Common examples include disguised knives (e.g.,comb knives,credit card knives),hidden guns (e.g., pen guns), stun devices (e.g., flashlight stun guns), and self-defense items like tactical pens and pepper spray.
Q: Where are these dangerous objects typically sold online?
A: These items can be found on e-commerce platforms like Amazon, eBay, and aliexpress, and also social media marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and Instagram.
Q: What can be done to prevent the online sale of dangerous objects?
A: Stricter regulations, improved monitoring of online marketplaces, and increased awareness among consumers and parents are essential steps to prevent the sale of these items.
Q: What should I do if I encounter a dangerous object for sale online?
A: Report the listing to the platform where it is being sold and contact your local law enforcement agency to alert them to the potential danger.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau – E-commerce Sales Data
- Department of Justice – Federal Firearms Regulations
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) – Official Website
