The Dark Reality of Fentanyl Purchases

Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, has gained notoriety for its high potency and lethal consequences. As illicit drug use continues to be a global concern, many individuals may wonder, “Where do you buy fentanyl?” Unfortunately, seeking out this dangerous substance is not only illegal but also extremely hazardous.

Prescription fentanyl has been around for years, intended for chronic severe pain, trauma and cancer patients. Brand names include Actiq, Duragesic, and Sublimaze where the drug is administered through a patch, injection or lollipop. If given in time, Narcan® (also known as Naloxone) can save the life of someone who is overdosing from opioids. It can stop an overdose and restore normal breathing until emergency response can arrive. Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is able to provide more information as well as training or presentation opportunities that cover the topics of harm reduction, HIV, viral hepatitis, and STDs.

‘We’re done with dead kids’: U.S. bars are handing out free fentanyl tests

The Online Black Market

In recent years, the internet has become a breeding ground for illegal drug sales, including fentanyl. Underground marketplaces, accessible through encrypted networks, have made it easier for buyers to obtain substances like fentanyl anonymously.

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Fentanyl has been found in many different drugs, including heroin, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine and ketamine. It can also be found in pills from nonmedical sources, pressed into counterfeit pills to look like prescription painkillers or benzodiazepines, such as Xanax® Klonopin®, and Valium®. This increase is particularly alarming because until then, opioid overdoses had mostly missed teenagers. Gianatiempo, Madeline Hilliard and three other students wanted to do something about it, and they believed the root of the issue was a lack of education about drugs. Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are inexpensive, easy-to-use tools that determine whether a drug batch contains fentanyl.

However, purchasing fentanyl online poses significant risks:

Quality Control: Buying drugs from unregulated sources means there is no guarantee of purity or dosage accuracy. Fentanyl obtained through these channels can be adulterated with other potent substances, heightening the risk of overdose.
Legal Consequences: Participating in online drug transactions exposes individuals to severe legal repercussions. Law enforcement agencies actively monitor such platforms, leading to potential arrests and criminal charges.
Personal Safety: Engaging with criminal networks on the dark web can put personal safety at stake. Buyers may become victims of scams, theft, or violence during face-to-face transactions.

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“Our test strips are such a great tool for engaging people who use substances into our programing so that then we can support them with other aspects of their health, especially around HIV and Hep C,” he said. Many times, O’Neal said, cocaine and other drug users do not know to expect fentanyl. That’s because the deadly opioid is increasingly found in illegal drugs like pain pills, cocaine and even marijuana. So many people died over the last two years from drug overdoses and COVID-19 that life expectancy continues to drop, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $3,292,348 with 94% financed with non-governmental sources.
To buy his fentanyl, the man uses “darknet” sites, which are unlisted on search engines, rely on a special private browser for access, and don’t tie his username to his identity.
know if a substance has been contaminated with fentanyl and to take action to
Remember Missouri’s Good Samaritan Law protects you and the person overdosing from arrest for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.

Street-Level Drug Dealing

Another avenue where individuals may encounter fentanyl is on the streets, where it’s sold by illicit drug dealers. However, purchasing fentanyl from these sources is exceptionally dangerous and life-threatening.

Here are some reasons why buying fentanyl on the street is a perilous choice:

Uncertainty of Contents: Street drugs are often mixed with other substances, making it impossible to determine the presence or concentration of fentanyl accurately. This lack of transparency significantly increases the risk of overdose.
Unreliable Dealers: Dealing with street-level drug sellers means relying on the word of individuals operating outside the law. There is no guarantee of product quality or honesty about the substance being sold.
Community Harm: Supporting street-level drug dealers perpetuates the cycle of addiction and contributes to the overall degradation of communities. It’s essential to seek help for substance abuse rather than fueling illegal activities.

Keep in mind that these test strips only reveal whether the drugs contain fentanyl. If the compound is present in the drugs, the test strips won’t indicate the potency level or quantity. Additionally, there are many versions of fentanyl in the illicit drug supply, and basic test strips can miss variants that could also be lethal. You can request that free naloxone and test strips be mailed discreetly to your home after taking a brief online training. You do not need insurance to receive naloxone through this service.

Seek Help Instead of Seeking Fentanyl

The dangers associated with buying fentanyl cannot be overstated. Rather than pursuing this harmful substance, those struggling with addiction should consider seeking professional assistance. Rehabilitation centers, addiction helplines, and support groups are available to provide guidance and support throughout the recovery process.