Research Finds Dark Web Fentanyl-selling Operations Have Grown Rapidly, Offer Steep Discounts
Understanding Darknet Markets and Fentanyl Sales
Chicago is among the FBI field offices now executing “knock and talk” actions against drug buyers, telling them their dark web purchases have not been anonymous. Oh, and I should add here that it’s been a week since John Kapoor has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison and guess what? He’s still home because he’s trying to get a suspension of the sentence until his appeal is completed which might be months or a year away.
The Public Health Agency of Canada predicts the number of opioid-related overdose deaths for 2017 will surpass 4,000 once the figures are available from all provinces and territories. The move by Hansa to ban fentanyl generated significant discussion on the site. While some members of the marketplace were dismayed by the measure, citing the belief in “free markets,” a portion of actors expressed support for the ban on moral grounds.
Note that some high-profile underground marketplaces and forums are frequently deactivated or have been shut down by law enforcement authorities [23]. Hence, we also gathered snapshots of 5 underground marketplaces and 6 forums collected by the anonymous marketplace archives programs and previous research projects [20]. Anonymous online marketplaces are usually platforms for sellers and buyers to conduct transactions in a virtual environment. They usually come with anonymous forums for sellers and buyers to share information, promote their products, leave feedback, and share experiences about purchases. To understand how it works, we describe an opioid transaction’s operational steps on the anonymous online marketplaces and forums. We present a view about how such services operate and how different entities interact with each other (Figure 1).
The darknet refers to a collection of websites that are inaccessible through standard browsers and require specific software, like Tor, to access. Within these hidden corners of the internet, various illegal goods and services are offered, including drugs. One of the most concerning substances being sold on darknet markets is fentanyl.
What is Fentanyl?
The conspiracies relied on sophisticated technology to distribute and profit from a staggering quantity of pills pressed with fentanyl. In 2013, the FBI shut down a dark web marketplace called Silk Road, founded by a young man in Texas named Ross Ulbricht. Silk Road operated in a similar way — allowing users to buy illicit goods and services and rate and review each vendors’ products.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used medically to treat severe pain, often in patients who are physically tolerant to other opioids. However, its high potency also makes it extremely dangerous when misused.
A handful of vendors, however, will not offer reshipments or will offer reshipments at less favorable prices for residents of certain countries that they consider more difficult to ship to. One vendor who ships from China, for example, refuses to refund or reship orders to Australia, Canada, and Scandinavia. Flashpoint analysts discovered that the plurality of fentanyl is shipped from within the United States; many European countries also appear in the list of the most common shipping locations. Fourteen percent of all fentanyl products surveyed by Flashpoint are shipped from Germany, while the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the Czech Republic (Czechia) are also popular shipping origin locations. ASAP Market showing a listing of fentanyl, despite supposedly banning the sale of the drug.
- My colleagues and I choose fentanyl when patients need immediate pain relief or sedation, such as anesthesia for surgery.
- Think of the dark web as a hidden layer of the intranet that exploits communication technologies and monetary frameworks in order to facilitate the often illegal exchange of goods and services.
- Part of the problem is China’s complex and misleading freight forwarding system, which moves parcels from shipper to shipper, making it virtually impossible to trace it to its original source.
Recent years have seen a surge in fentanyl-related overdoses, prompting law enforcement and governments to take action against its distribution, especially in illicit markets.
What Darknet Markets Sell Fentanyl?
Numerous darknet markets have been known to facilitate the sale of fentanyl and its analogs. These markets typically offer a variety of substances, often using code names or slang to avoid detection. Some popular darknet markets that have been reported to sell fentanyl include:
When a new seller comes along, he’ll look at reviews online, both on the dark and open web. One hundred milligrams of carfentanil, a synthetic opioid more potent than fentanyl used to sedate large animals, could be enough to kill dozens of people, according to Dr. David Juurlink, a medical toxicologist at the Ontario Poison Centre. Liam says he was drawn to the dark net in part because of the wide selection and the anonymity. “No one can see that I’m using drugs. It comes directly to me, very discreetly.”
- AlphaBay
- Dream Market
- Wall Street Market
- Silk Road 3.0
Each of these platforms has its unique characteristics and methods for facilitating transactions.
How is Fentanyl Sold on Darknet Markets?
The sale of fentanyl on darknet markets typically involves several key steps:
- Vendor Registration: Vendors must register and create profiles, usually providing minimal personal information to protect their identities.
- Advertising Products: Vendors upload listings that include descriptions, photos, and pricing for their fentanyl products.
- Transaction Methods: Payments are often made using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to ensure anonymity.
- Shipping: Once payment is received, vendors ship the substance directly to the buyer, often using discreet shipping methods.
The Dangers of Purchasing Fentanyl on Darknet Markets
While darknet markets may offer easy access to fentanyl, the risks significantly outweigh the benefits:
- Quality Control: Products sold on these markets often have no quality assurance, leading to potential overdoses from impurities or varying potency.
- Legal Risks: Purchasing illegal substances can result in severe legal consequences, including arrest and prosecution.
- Scams: There is a risk of being defrauded, with vendors disappearing after taking payment without delivering products.
FAQs about Fentanyl on Darknet Markets
1. Why is fentanyl sold on darknet markets?
Fentanyl is sold on these markets due to its high demand and profitability among users looking for potent opioids that are often cheaper than prescription medications.
2. How do buyers guarantee their safety?
Buyers may use techniques such as utilizing encrypted communication, creating new email accounts, and using anonymous browsing through Tor to protect their identities.
3. Are darknet markets safe to use?
While some users believe they can operate safely, the inherent risks of scams, quality issues, and legal consequences make them dangerous.
4. What can be done to combat fentanyl sales on darknet markets?
Governments and law enforcement agencies continue to work at identifying and shutting down these markets, while public health initiatives aim to raise awareness of the dangers of opioids.
Conclusion
Understanding what darknet markets sell, including substances like fentanyl, is crucial for awareness and prevention. The perilous nature of purchasing drugs illegally online cannot be overstated, and it is vital to promote education on the risks associated with such activities.
