The Reality of Dark Web Drugs
For those who are averse to confrontation, and who are sufficiently tech-savvy, the dark web offers an alternative to the risk and violence of dealing drugs offline. I try to provide the best products and service I can, when someone has a problem or claims [their order was] short on pills (as long as they have ordered from me before) I usually take them at their word. Other risks, such as frauds perpetrated by customers and exit scams, were considered inevitable on the dark web, but also manageable. This operation follows other recent incidents that have shaken trust in dark web stores. Below, you can see what products are most often sold in each country’s arena. Over the past few years, Trend Micro has conducted a number of research projects focusing on these areas and the underground economy at large.
I got a bit stumped with my dark net story, put it on hold and became more interested in the wonderful world of cryptocurrencies as the value of bitcoins soared over the next few months (the 1.5 bitcoins I’d bought for £20 were worth £300 at one point this spring). “We applaud the seizure of Piilopuoti and extend our congratulations to law enforcement, Finnish customs, and all involved parties,” said Alexandru Catalin Cosoi, senior director of the Investigation and Forensics Unit at Bitdefender. Finnish customs officers worked with partners in Germany and Lithuania, as well as Europol, the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust), Finnish police and authorities in other countries.
The dark web has gained significant notoriety for its illicit activities, particularly in the realm of drugs. It is a hidden part of the internet that requires specific software and configurations to access, making it virtually anonymous for users. One of the dominant activities on the dark web is the sale and distribution of illegal substances.
Understanding the Dark Web
To comprehend the complexities of dark web drugs, it’s crucial to understand the structure of the dark web itself:
- Tor Browser: A specialized browser that enables users to access .onion websites, which are not indexed by traditional search engines.
- Cryptocurrency: Transactions are usually conducted using digital currencies like Bitcoin to maintain anonymity for both buyers and sellers.
- Marketplaces: Various platforms exist where drugs can be purchased, including Silk Road (historically) and newer options like AlphaBay and Dream Market.
When most people talk about the dark net, they usually mean Tor (short for The Onion Router). Tor supports multiple dark net forums and markets, including Silk Road, the first dark net market. To access the dark net, all you need to do is go to torproject.org and download the Tor browser. Instead of sites ending with .com or .org, you are now connecting to sites that end in .onion. Many high-profile organisations have dark net sites, including BBC News and Facebook. We don’t want to leave you with the impression that everything on the dark web is nefarious or illegal.
The Fragmented Darknet Ecosystem
The websites are clean, well organized, and easy to navigate; there are icons for online support, shopping carts, and order status. The bitcoin/dollar/euro exchange rate is often featured on a banner, much like a price ticker on a finance website. Purchasing meth from a dealer in the Netherlands feels as familiar and mundane as buying sheets from Macy’s. Customers intending to buy drugs over the dark web typically access it through the onion router (Tor) in order to conceal their identities. Specialized dark web explorers (GRAMS, DuckDuckGo, Ahmia, Torch, Hidden Wiki, etc.) enable them to access their desired market platforms.
In 2021, Hydra accounted for 80% of darknet market revenue worldwide, in terms of cryptocurrency. A separate criminal complaint was also unsealed today, charging Irvin Hernandez with being a member of the same door-to-door drug delivery conspiracy. These first two counts relate to Hernandez’s alleged activities on the dark web starting in January 2013. The gist of the buying process involves downloading ‘Tor’, or a similar browser, acquiring some cryptocurrency (which is typically required to make purchases), and then finding the right URLs to connect with legitimate sellers. While the first two steps are fairly straightforward, the third requires a degree of prior knowledge.
LegitScript investigative analysts explored this issue earlier this year when we conducted in-depth research on dark web opioid sales on behalf of the Center for Safe Internet Pharmacies (CSIP). Our investigation culminated in the report The State of Opioid Sales on the Dark Web. Private sector partner Bitdefender claimed to have offered crucial cybersecurity consulting and support to the investigative team.
The Range of Drugs Available
The variety of drugs available on the dark web is staggering, including but not limited to:
- This factor was measured only as an element of guarantees, but its relevance would justify its examination as a separate trust factor if the survey would be conducted among actual darknet market users.
- He was formerly the Chief Financial Officer and a principal shareholder of Apollo Solutions, Inc., which was acquired by CNET Networks.
- When both buyers and sellers are anonymous, the credibility of any ratings system is dubious.
- 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.
- For librarians and administrators, your personal account also provides access to institutional account management.
Most of them were only started in 2018, and almost all of those that became major darknet markets had disappeared by December 2020. Without intervention from law enforcement, the dynamic and resilient darknet market ecosystem could have grown even faster over the past decade. But major law enforcement operations have led to the dismantling of a number of darknet platforms, including AlphaBay, which we mentioned at the beginning of this piece when talking about the “Fentmaster” case. “The earliest modern online anonymous markets, often referred to as darknet markets or cryptomarkets, appeared in early 2010, and evolved from an encrypted email service and migrated on to a Tor anonymity network to guarantee better anonymity to users.
- Prescription Medications: Opioids, benzodiazepines, and other prescription drugs sold without a prescription.
- Recreational Drugs: LSD, MDMA, cocaine, and marijuana available for recreational use.
- Research Chemicals: Products that mimic the effects of illegal substances but are often chemically altered.
- New Psychedelics: Unique substances not yet classified or understood by regulatory bodies.
Risks Associated with Dark Web Drug Transactions
Engaging in transactions for dark web drugs comes with numerous risks:
- Legal Consequences: Purchasing illegal drugs can lead to serious legal repercussions, including arrest and imprisonment.
- Quality Control: There is a significant risk of receiving counterfeit or contaminated substances that can lead to health crises.
- Scams: Users are at risk of scams where they might pay for drugs that will never arrive.
- Health Risks: Consumption of unknown substances can lead to overdose or severe medical complications.
FAQs about Dark Web Drugs
What types of drugs can you find on the dark web?
The dark web hosts a wide variety of drugs, including both recreational and prescription medications. Users can find commonly sought-after substances like marijuana, cocaine, MDMA, and various prescription opioids.
Is it safe to buy drugs from the dark web?
No, purchasing drugs from the dark web poses numerous risks, including legal issues, potential scams, and the health dangers associated with consuming unregulated substances.
How do transactions work on the dark web?
Transactions typically involve the use of cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, to pay for the drugs. The process is often facilitated through escrow services to provide some level of buyer protection, though it remains risky.
What should I do if I suspect someone is buying drugs on the dark web?
If you suspect illegal activity, it is advisable to report your concerns to local law enforcement authorities who can investigate further.
The allure of dark web drugs continues to captivate many, but the significant risks and consequences associated with their purchase cannot be overlooked. As awareness of the complexities and dangers of the dark web grows, it becomes increasingly vital for individuals to understand the implications of engaging in such activities.
