Government Efforts Against Dark Web Markets
The Dark World of Darknet Drugs
Based on these results, this study concluded that influencing the risk perception of potential darknet market customers regarding transaction and delivery could contribute to reducing the volume of the darknet drug trade. However, the effectiveness of the recommended regulatory measures, law enforcement interventions, and prevention methods among actual darknet market users is questionable and should be further examined by future research. While the above-mentioned examples of interventions effectively reduced the volume of the darknet drug trade, the policy recommendations presented above were designed to be implemented among potential customers. Since some users purchase on the darknet because they do not want to risk a personal meeting with dealers, darknet markets extend the range of potential users (Pergolizzi et al., 2017).
Dittus and company say the data suggests that darknet traders sit at the “last mile” end of the supply chain, at least as far as cannabis and cocaine are concerned. “We present strong evidence that cannabis and cocaine vendors are primarily located in a small number of consumer countries, rather than producer countries,” they say. Also, unlike most competitors, the new version of AlphaBay only allows users to buy and sell in the privacy-focused cryptocurrency Monero, not Bitcoin, transactions of which can often be tracked through blockchain surveillance. That makes the site’s sales difficult to measure and may mean it has fewer sales per listing, since many users prefer to trade in Bitcoin.
The darknet is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines, allowing for a veil of anonymity. It has gained notoriety for various illicit activities, particularly the trade of drugs. These transactions primarily occur on hidden marketplaces that require specific software to access.
Understanding the Darknet
The darknet operates using several tools and technologies that ensure user privacy. Key components include:
This kind of boasting is not uncommon among darknet operators as a marketing strategy to attract new vendors to a site. And it’s not clear whether Tor Market is really offering any superior security features or coding infrastructure compared to other sites. By providing offerings from dozens of international drug sellers and a centralised forum for buyers, Tor Market solves the very real economic problem of “thin markets” in the New Zealand drug scene, where there are simply not enough buyers to sustain sellers for some drug types.
The arrests were made two years after German authorities secretly seized control of the market’s infrastructure. The reviews also revealed the product involved, with the team interested only in cannabis, cocaine, and opiate products. The result is a look at where different types of drugs end up on the darknet. The team crawled the content of each of these sites to work out the full catalog of products on offer.
- Tor Browser: A browser that allows users to access .onion sites, which are only reachable through the Tor network.
- Cryptocurrencies: Digital currencies such as Bitcoin or Monero are commonly used for transactions, offering a layer of anonymity.
- Escrow Services: These services protect buyers and sellers by holding payments until the transaction is confirmed, reducing the risk of fraud.
Making a transaction in crypto is a much safer option for anyone looking to buy illicit goods. Before it was shut down in 2013, Silk Road was the most popular darknet market. Others like Agora and Evolution filled the vacuum left by Silk Road after it was shut down through the efforts of the U.S. government, though since then, these have also been shuttered.
Earlier this month a Kraken employee told Russian news website Lenta.ru that the market had a dedicated PR department. These arrests were made possible by analyzing data retrieved from Monopoly’s server, exposing buyers and sellers active on the platform. The DOJ says Desnica personally verified each registered vendor to ensure they hold the illegal substances they claimed to sell, even asking them to produce photographic evidence of their inventory. Department of Justice announcement, the suspect, Milomir Desnica, is charged with facilitating $18 million in illegal drug transactions through his website. Users of the dark web employ technology to obfuscate their identity, including the Tor browser, which routes users through multiple relays to hide their locations and IP addresses.
The Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, working with more than 40 U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the country, coordinated the nationwide investigation of over 65 targets, that lead to the arrest and impending prosecution of more than 35 Darknet vendors. James Martin is Director of Research at the Department of Policing, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism at Macquarie University, Australia. He has a long-standing interest in both conventional and online forms of drug distribution, black markets and non-state governance, and the ‘war on drugs’. As a result, 150 vendors and buyers who engaged in tens of thousands of sales of illicit goods were arrested across Europe and the United States.
Types of Darknet Drugs
On darknet marketplaces, various types of drugs can be found, including:
- Stimulants: Substances like cocaine and methamphetamine are popular, known for their energizing effects.
- Depressants: Drugs such as heroin and benzodiazepines can be purchased, often for their sedative properties.
- Hallucinogens: Substances like LSD and mushrooms are available for users seeking altered states of consciousness.
- Psychedelics: These drugs, including ecstasy (MDMA) and peyote, are sought after for their mind-altering effects.
Risks Associated with Darknet Drugs
Engaging in transactions for darknet drugs can be hazardous due to the following reasons:
- Legal Consequences: Purchasing or selling illicit drugs can lead to severe legal repercussions, including arrest and imprisonment.
- Health Risks: The potency and purity of darknet drugs are often uncertain, leading to potential overdoses or health complications.
- Fraud and Scams: Buyers may encounter scams, such as receiving counterfeit products or being defrauded out of money.
- Cybersecurity Risks: Engaging with darknet marketplaces can expose users to malware, hacking attempts, and identity theft.
- You’ve no doubt heard talk of the “dark web” as a hotbed of criminal activity — and it is.
- But, in under three years since (i.e., between mid-2017 to 2020), there’s been a near 300% increase in growth in the size of this market (i.e., to $315 million).
- “Our coalition of law enforcement authorities across three continents proves that we all do better when we work together,” said Executive Director Catherine De Bolle of Europol.
Protecting Yourself on the Darknet
If individuals choose to navigate the darknet despite the risks, there are safety measures that can be taken:
- Use Reliable VPN Services: A Virtual Private Network enhances privacy and security when browsing the darknet.
- Research Marketplaces: Before making any purchases, it is vital to read reviews and understand the reputation of sellers.
- Secure Payment Methods: Using cryptocurrencies with anonymous features can mitigate some risks associated with financial transactions.
- Stay Informed: Keeping up to date on laws and regulations regarding darknet drugs is essential for avoiding legal issues.
FAQs about Darknet Drugs
What is the darknet?
The darknet is a part of the internet that requires special software to access and is often associated with illegal activities.
Are all darknet drugs illegal?
Yes, most drugs sold on the darknet are illegal, including narcotics and controlled substances.
How safe is it to buy darknet drugs?
Purchasing drugs from the darknet carries significant risks, including legal trouble and health hazards.
Can you get arrested for browsing the darknet?
While browsing the darknet itself is not illegal, engaging in illegal activities, such as purchasing drugs, can lead to arrest.
In conclusion, while the darknet presents opportunities for anonymity, it is crucial to understand the associated risks, particularly concerning the purchase of darknet drugs. Knowledge and caution are essential for anyone considering navigating this complex online landscape.
