One of the most common questions surrounding the dark web is, “How much do drugs cost?” With the anonymity and accessibility provided by the dark web, it has become a popular platform for buying and selling illicit substances. The pricing of drugs on the dark web can vary depending on various factors such as the type of drug, quantity, and location of the seller.
Initially set up in response to spiralling medication costs in the USA, the early 2000s saw a proliferation of these vendors, both legitimate and illegitimate, often based or purporting to be based in Canada. Monitoring these ‘clear net’ vendors is challenging and legitimacy is often difficult to assess due to the short lifespan of the websites and the use of proxy servers obfuscating the true location of vendor operations (Festinger et al., 2016). Recent blog posts from LegitScript have focused on “How Drugs Are Sold on the Dark Web” (Khalaf, 2018) reflecting a growing concern about these avenues for acquiring prescription drugs, and possible replacement of online pharmacy sources. We first conducted a whole-site crawl of anonymous online marketplaces and forums to solicit data.
The Factors Affecting Drug Prices on the Dark Web
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When it comes to purchasing drugs on the dark web, several factors come into play when determining the price. Some of these factors include:
- Type of Drug: Different drugs have different production costs and levels of demand, which can influence their prices on the dark web. For example, highly addictive substances like heroin or cocaine may be more expensive than marijuana.
- Quantity: Just like in any marketplace, buying in bulk can often result in a lower price per unit. Sellers on the dark web may offer discounts for larger quantities of drugs.
- Location of the Seller: The location of the seller can also impact the price of drugs on the dark web. Sellers from regions with higher production costs or stricter law enforcement may charge more for their products.
China Jails 9 In Fentanyl Trafficking Case That Began With A Tip From The US
In November 2018, Chinese police — acting on a tip from the U.S. — seized more than 26 pounds of fentanyl and 42 pounds of other drugs from the lab and eventually sentenced nine people from the city of Xingtai in Hebei a year later in a major Chinese-U.S. When China began banning fentanyl-related compounds, it was hailed as a major victory for U.S. narcotics authorities and diplomats, who had lobbied China for years to strictly regulate the substances more broadly as a class. Previously, Chinese narcotics authorities criminalized only specific fentanyl offshoots. It is estimated to be worth around 2.55 trillion dollars and is one of the biggest contributors to addiction globally. In the fentanyl era, it remains easy and common to demonize drug sellers.
- Prescription opioids have flooded the market, and they have led to dependencies and addictions in people you would never suspect of developing a drug problem.
- The first darknet market of notoriety was Silk Road, which opened at the end of January 2011 and was seized by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in October 2013 (DEA, 2013).
- Mr Burchard is awaiting trial; the charges against him may be demolished in court.
- The house was on Florida Street, and served as a distribution hub for a cocaine and counterfeit pill operation that for years went by the name “opiateconnect” on the dark web marketplace, authorities said.
- The troubling reality is that many counterfeit pills closely resemble these oxycodone 30mg tablets.
Examples of Drug Prices on the Dark Web
Why Is Fentanyl Being Added To Street Drugs?
While prices can fluctuate, here are some approximate ranges for common drugs on the dark web:
Another effective approach for preventing relapse is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals develop skills that will help them achieve long-term abstinence. To speak with a treatment provider for more information on treatment options, click here. Those who regularly use Heroin will often develop a tolerance that can lead to physical dependence. Drug use by means of injection increases the risk of bacterial infections, blood poisoning, skin infections, and collapsed veins.
Marijuana:
On average, a gram of marijuana can cost anywhere from $10 to $20 on the dark web. However, prices can vary depending on the strain and quality of the product.
As with the early internet, the dark web has a reputation as a haven for illegal activities and is frequently implicated in illicit and criminal activity. While the dark web has played a hand in illegal and unethical transactions, it also provides a social outlet for people who may otherwise be persecuted for their identities or political beliefs. It also gives legal authorities the additional tools they need to apprehend the perpetrators of unethical activities.
Cocaine:
Cocaine tends to be one of the more expensive drugs on the dark web, with prices ranging from $80 to $100 per gram. Higher purity levels can fetch an even higher price.
MDMA:
MDMA, also known as ecstasy, typically sells for around $20 to $40 per pill on the dark web. Prices can increase if the pills are marketed as being of higher quality or purity.
Conclusion
Overall, the cost of drugs on the dark web can vary significantly depending on the type of drug, quantity, and location of the seller. It is essential to exercise caution and discretion when considering purchasing drugs from the dark web, as there are risks involved with engaging in illegal activities online.
