Kris Mayes Secures 9-Year Sentence for Instagram Drug Dealer Targeting Teens

Kris Mayes Attorney General

Attorney General Kris Mayes announced a significant victory in her fight against drug dealers who target Arizona youth on social media. Joshua Lubischer, who sold dangerous drugs to minors through Instagram, has been sentenced to more than nine years in prison.

Kris Mayes' office successfully prosecuted Lubischer, who received a sentence of 9.25 years in prison followed by five years of probation. Judge Max Covil issued the sentence on September 15, 2025, on charges including conspiracy, running an illegal drug business, and possessing dangerous drugs for sale.

"Drug dealers are targeting your kids on social media, and law enforcement has a responsibility to do something about it," Mayes said in a statement. "I'm glad my office was able to secure nearly a decade in prison for this individual who was responsible for selling dangerous drugs to children on Instagram."

The Case

The investigation began on January 4, 2025, when Buckeye Police received a report from a parent about a teen buying LSD through Instagram. The minor told police he purchased the drug for $10 and provided the dealer's Instagram account.

Police identified Lubischer, whose Instagram linked to a Telegram account advertising drugs with prices. On January 9, police searched his Phoenix home and found LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, ecstasy, Xanax, marijuana, THC products, and drug packaging materials. Lubischer had previous felony convictions and was on probation.

Mayes' Initiative

Mayes has made holding social media companies accountable a priority. She emphasized that a 2023 National Institute of Health study found up to 13% of social media posts promoted illegal drug sales.

Drug dealers openly advertise on these platforms, and algorithms push these posts to teen accounts. The National Crime Prevention Council estimates 80% of teen fentanyl deaths can be traced to social media contact.

The Attorney General's Office launched a website tracking cases where social media companies are connected to criminal activity, highlighting the role these platforms play in enabling illegal drug sales.

"We need to be vigilant about the career criminals abusing social media to lure Arizona's youngest residents into danger," Mayes concluded.

Ericka Piñon

Ericka Piñon is a state and federal politics reporter for Cactus Politics and a Journalism and Mass Communication student at Arizona State University. With a focus in public relations, she aims to deliver balanced coverage grounded in solid sourcing.