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Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is prescribed to treat severe pain. However, it is also known to be abused and sold illegally. With the rise of online marketplaces, you may be wondering if it is possible to buy fentanyl online. In this article, we will explore this question and shed light on the potential dangers associated with purchasing fentanyl over the internet.
- Shortly after Kade Webb, 20, collapsed and died in a bathroom at a Safeway Market in Roseville, Calif., in December, the police opened his phone and went straight to his social media apps.
- Typically, first time dealers will receive a sentence from a court of 180 days in jail and be placed on felony probation.
- People are still able to purchase these drugs online because drug dealers are creative in how they ‘outreach’ to users, including the use of emojis.
- 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 timing coincided with the first detection of illicit pills containing fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, and other novel synthetic opioids such as U-47700.
- New strips designed for harm reduction purposes have been created, since the original forensics application made this pretty challenging.
The Dark Side of Online Drug Marketplaces
Harm Reduction Saves Lives .
Since then, more than 8,500 people have died of drug overdoses, with last year being the deadliest on record. Of course, the safest option is not to use illegal drugs at all or to seek out a drug addiction treatment program if you need help stopping. But if you’re going to use street drugs, testing them for fentanyl first might save your life. However, most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose, and death in the U.S. are linked to illegally made fentanyl.2 It is sold through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. It is often mixed with heroin and/or cocaine as a combination product—with or without the user’s knowledge—to increase its euphoric effects. Opioids are a class of drugs that alleviate pain and may produce a pleasurable effect on the brain and body.
Online drug marketplaces have gained popularity in recent years, offering a wide range of prescription drugs, including fentanyl. These platforms operate on the dark web, which can only be accessed using special software. The anonymity provided by these marketplaces makes it easier for individuals to buy and sell illegal substances without being easily traced by authorities.
However, it is crucial to understand that buying fentanyl online without a legitimate prescription is both illegal and extremely dangerous. Due to its potency, improper use or dosage of fentanyl can have severe consequences, including overdose and death.
How do fentanyl test strips work?
The Risks of Buying Fentanyl Online
Buying fentanyl from an online source presents several risks:
- Counterfeit Products: Illegally sold fentanyl may be counterfeit, meaning it may not contain the actual drug or may contain other harmful substances. This increases the risk of adverse effects and unpredictable reactions.
- Poor Quality Control: Products purchased online are not subject to the same quality control measures as those obtained through legitimate medical channels. As a result, the purity and potency of the fentanyl cannot be guaranteed, increasing the danger of accidental overdose.
- Legal Consequences: Engaging in the purchase and sale of fentanyl without proper authorization is a criminal offense. If caught, you may face severe legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
- Personal Safety: Revealing personal information to illicit online sources puts you at risk of identity theft, fraud, or other malicious activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a simple fentanyl test curb San Francisco’s overdose crisis?
The video below describes how to identify and respond to an opioid overdose using naloxone. Additional information regarding opioids and overdose prevention can be found further down on this page. This is not all the information you need to know about fentanyl test strips for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your healthcare provider’s advice.
Q: Is it ever safe to buy fentanyl online?
A: No, it is never safe to buy fentanyl online without a legitimate prescription. The risks associated with purchasing this potent opioid illegally far outweigh any potential benefits.
A health care professional may prescribe them as part of a treatment plan following an injury or surgery. Some people may use opioids to cope with painful emotions, trauma, or other life experiences. The result of pressure on China by the U.S. and other countries to take more action against synthetic opioids by expanding their controlled substance bans has show some progress, but law enforcement is hoping for more action. First, Fentanyl test strips can be bought online through vendors like BTNX or Dance Safe. They can also be found for free or at low cost through local health departments or community-based organizations, like safe injection sites or needle exchange programs.
Q: Can I purchase fentanyl legally online with a prescription?
Why is fentanyl dangerous?
A: While some legitimate online pharmacies may offer certain medications through their websites, fentanyl is a highly regulated controlled substance. It should only be obtained through authorized channels, such as a licensed pharmacy, with a valid prescription from a healthcare professional.
Q: What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
A: Signs of a fentanyl overdose may include slowed or stopped breathing, extreme drowsiness, confusion, pinpoint pupils, and unconsciousness. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical help immediately.
Q: How can I protect myself from fraudulent online sources?
A: To protect yourself, it is essential to only obtain medications from reputable sources. Avoid purchasing drugs from unverified online marketplaces or websites that do not require a prescription. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice on safe and legitimate options.
Conclusion
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly to a reporter about his work on the case. But when NPR visited the company in November 2019, the salesperson confirmed it still sold “99918,” which is code for a popular fentanyl precursor, according to C4ADS analysts, and was banned in China in 2018. Since April, however, C4ADS has identified 32 vendors on Alibaba advertising two other precursors that can be used to make fentanyl but are not banned in either the U.S. or China. On Facebook, where he did much of his advertising, Chen had a reputation as a fast and reliable vendor, according to social media reviews left by nearly a dozen customers. “Benjamin Chen is the real deal,” someone identified as a customer wrote in a Facebook post in December 2018.
In conclusion, buying fentanyl online without a legitimate prescription is both illegal and dangerous. The risks associated with purchasing this potent opioid from illicit sources are significant and can have severe consequences for your health and well-being. It is essential to prioritize your safety and consult with healthcare professionals for proper guidance on pain management and medication use.
