How Dark Web Drugs Are A “Highway To The Danger Zone”
Online drug marketplaces seem to have started around 2011, when Silk Road disrupted the way people buy drugs, shifting from dark alleys to the dark web. Buying drugs online allows consumers to order from a smorgasbord of narcotics, delivered to the door via the postal system. From opioids and marijuana to crack, heroin, and fentanyl, it’s a porous buyer’s market. Some researchers who study the dark web have found the quality of drugs available on these hidden websites is superior to that of drugs sold on the street. One theory of why that might be is that the online review system holds dealers accountable, says Rasmus Munksgaard, a Montreal researcher.
TOR is used for many other things, other than just accessing the dark web. And, while there are many bad things on the dark web, there are some good things as well. The dark web is also anonymous in nature, meaning everyone’s identities are hidden throughout.
Understanding the Dark Web and Its Drug Trade
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines, making it a haven for illicit activities, including the trade of dark web drugs. This underground marketplace operates through anonymity-focused networks such as Tor, where users can buy and sell a variety of illegal substances.
The Appeal of Dark Web Drugs
Sellers who deliver the goods as promised receive higher ratings and are rewarded with a better reputation over time. Darknet markets provide resources for sellers and buyers on how to get the products through the mail, including what supplies are needed to disguise shipments and techniques to foil detection. Today, there are more varieties of darknet markets — these new dark web markets are more likely to specialize in specific goods or a unique transaction system. Whether you want to access dark web markets or simply browse anonymously online, using a VPN alongside the best privacy browsers like Tor — which is still available to access the dark web today — can help protect your privacy and security. Once access was granted, vendors and customers used the Silk Road to make transactions with cryptocurrency or via an escrow (a trusted third-party).
I don’t need to drop any more percentages than I have to, and neither do my customers. I find it fascinating that, in a lawless environment, the forums and markets, with their reviews and escrow systems, are able to do what can’t be done in real life. The Resecurity report comes weeks after the National Crime Agency (NCA) uncovered the identities of two drug traffickers after they unwittingly took photos of themselves and a pet dog. This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check for access.
Non-fatal overdoes and deaths linked to substances such as fentanyl have been on the rise in North America and Europe in recent years, at the same time as their presence on the dark web has increased. “I don’t think anyone has found a more effective model for selling drugs online,” says Shortis. And aside from their wares, these marketplaces look remarkably similar to their counterparts on the “clearnet”, or regular internet. Users leave detailed reviews on the quality of a vendor’s product, speed of delivery, and how secure the shipping method was.
Several factors contribute to the allure of the dark web for individuals seeking drugs:
Old-style drug lords might want to think about investing in cryptomarkets, or risk being disrupted out of existence. Another study, by Mr Décary-Hétu and Ms Aldridge, suggests that roughly a quarter of deals on dark-web markets appear to be for wholesale purposes. Purchases of cannabis costing over $1,000 (roughly three ounces) make up 24% of marijuana sales by value. Other sellers are probably users who have bought a bit more than they need and have no one to sell to. They find buyers online, drop their surplus in the post and leave it at that. Ms Aldridge points to “doxxing”—the release of personal details online—as one.
Looking forward, the security experts said they expect new marketplaces to emerge in 2023. To purchase short-term access, please sign in to your personal account above. For librarians and administrators, your personal account also provides access to institutional account management. Here you will find options to view and activate subscriptions, manage institutional settings and access options, access usage statistics, and more. The institutional subscription may not cover the content that you are trying to access.
At the end of last month, a drug dealer called Chukwuemeka Okparaeke, whose online darknet avatar is “Fentmaster,” was sentenced to 15 years in prison. He imported and trafficked fentanyl analogues and other synthetic opioids through the dark web, including one controlled substance called U that he sold to an 18-year-old individual who died from an overdose after using the drug. Okparaeke used the dark web marketplace AlphaBay to peddle his drugs between 2016 and 2017, engaging in over 7,000 sales of synthetic opioids. Below this hidden but non-inflammatory layer comes the dark web, the area of the internet researchers in the Texas study penetrated. Most estimates suggest at least 5% of all web content resides on the dark web. A 2015 study of dark web content found over 50% of all material hosted was illicit.
- Anonymity: Users can operate under pseudonyms, reducing the risk of legal repercussions.
- Variety: A wider selection of both common and rare drugs is available.
- Accessibility: Drugs can be purchased with cryptocurrencies, making transactions harder to trace.
- Convenience: Purchases can be made from the comfort of home, eliminating the need for physical deals.
The Risks Involved
Despite the advantages, buying dark web drugs is fraught with risks, including:
- Legal Consequences: Engaging in illegal drug trade can result in serious legal penalties.
- Fraud: Many buyers fall victim to scams, receiving fake products or nothing at all.
- Health Hazards: The quality and purity of drugs cannot be guaranteed, leading to dangerous consequences.
- Cybersecurity Risks: Users may expose themselves to hacking or phishing attacks.
Types of Drugs Commonly Found on the Dark Web
The dark web offers an extensive range of substances, including but not limited to:
- Class A drugs could be found on the site in seconds, luring people to use the chat function to order their narcotics.
- A screenshot of Dream Market, below, shows drugs on offer, including crystal meth, cocaine, hash and MDMA.
- They are all suspected of using an illicit marketplace known as Monopoly Market, where substances including amphetamines and cocaine were bought and sold.
- The US is also, ironically, the best place for the darkest and most dangerous services and purchases, including assassination services and murder-for-hire.
- Stimulants: Amphetamines, cocaine, and ecstasy.
- Depressants: Xanax, opioids, and other prescription medications.
- Psychedelics: LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, and DMT.
- Research Chemicals: New synthetic drugs not yet classified or regulated.
How To Navigate Dark Web Drug Markets
For those who still consider delving into the dark web, several precautions should be taken:
- Educate Yourself: Understand how the dark web functions and the inherent dangers.
- Use VPNs: A virtual private network adds an additional layer of security to your online identity.
- Verify Sellers: Check reviews and ratings to assess reliability before making a purchase.
- Start Small: If you proceed, start with small quantities to minimize potential losses.
FAQs About Dark Web Drugs
Is buying drugs on the dark web safe?
No, purchasing drugs on the dark web is illegal and carries significant risks, including legal action, fraud, and health dangers.
What methods of payment are used?
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are commonly used due to their anonymizing properties, but other cryptocurrencies may also be accepted.
Can law enforcement track dark web activity?
While the dark web offers anonymity, law enforcement agencies have developed methods to track illegal activities, including utilizing undercover operations and advanced tracking technologies.
What are the alternatives to buying drugs on the dark web?
Consider seeking help or alternatives for drug use, such as talking to healthcare professionals or exploring rehabilitation options.
In summary, while the dark web drugs market may seem appealing for its anonymity and variety, the associated risks often outweigh any perceived benefits. Awareness and caution are crucial for anyone considering involvement in such illegal activities.
