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Understanding Dark Web Drugs
The only way these sites can be accessed is through specific kinds of domain names ending in “.onion,” which get routed through a massive series of relays to mask internet traffic. Another type of “browser” those looking for darknet markets use is called I2P. It primarily bypasses censorship but is also used to access the general dark web.
- Even if you aren’t perusing darknet markets, true anonymous browsing will keep you safe from prying eyes — such as governments and your ISP.
- This operation follows other recent incidents that have shaken trust in dark web stores.
- While there are still people who buy drugs in this manner, the internet and social media have changed drug buying, as they’ve changed so many other aspects of life in the 21st century.
- The assessment of this trust metric enables ranking the trust factors and their comparison by relevant independent variables.
They also typically use a virtual private network (VPN), which creates a secure “tunnel” for sending and receiving data across shared or public networks by configuring their computing devices as if they were directly connected by a private network. Those unfamiliar with the dark web may wonder how it operates and whether it poses a greater threat in the opioid crisis than the surface web. 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. It hailed the operation as proof of the value of public-private partnerships in this space.
Russian Market is a hacker-focused website with high volumes of stolen information available. Registration is easy and the site is accessible via both the dark web and clear web. Newly registered users cannot view any of this market’s listings though until they deposit at least $50 of Litecoin, Bitcoin, or Ethereum. In February 2015, Evolution, the largest marketplace on the dark web at that time, suddenly shutdown with moderators suspected of taking an estimated $12 million of retailer and buyer money being processed through Evolution’s transaction system. “To me, that’s very different than buying books or other things from people on a used market, where the risk is you don’t get that product, versus this product could potentially kill you.”
The dark web has gained notoriety for its association with illicit activities, especially the sale of drugs. This hidden part of the internet offers an anonymous platform where individuals can buy and sell various substances with relative ease.
A similar analysis showed that of more than 110 darknet drug markets that were active during 2010–2019, just ten remained fully operational in 2019. 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.
In that case even your average junkie may end up using the web, and your neighbor may be running a cartel one day. Theeconomist1 speculates that vendors for RC and possibly alp buy the chemicals overseas (often from China), press them into pills, and then sell the final (or intermediate product) on the web. That makes it feasible for him to cultivate abandoned houses as drug delivery destinations. Most buyers just have the drugs shipped to their homes (especially if it’s a small amount) or to a friend’s house or PO box. A Quartz summer intern said that at his university, different frat houses had agreements to receive each other’s drug shipments. Christin estimates there are about 9,300 different vendors on the dark web.
What Are Dark Web Drugs?
Dark web drugs refer to illegal narcotics sold via dark web marketplaces. These marketplaces utilize advanced encryption and anonymity techniques to protect users’ identities and transactions.
BBC News Services
Common Types of Drugs Found on the Dark Web
LegitScript’s investigative analysts frequently conduct research on both the surface web and dark web in our efforts to identify operators illegally selling drugs and other federally regulated products. Contact us to learn more about our expertise in identifying cybercriminals and mapping out the often complex networks they operate. Federal authorities announced last week several arrests, charges, and guilty pleas from a joint operation dubbed “Operation Darkness Falls,” which targeted people and organizations selling fentanyl and other drugs over the dark web. Among those arrested were the operators behind the dark web username “MH4Life,” which the Department of Justice called the most prolific dark web fentanyl vendor in the US and the fourth most prolific in the world.
Vendors may fake sales (though probably not often, since cryptomarkets take a cut) or reviews (though dissatisfied real customers would soon catch outright fraudsters). The volatile exchange rate between bitcoin and dollars means our conversions of prices are not completely accurate. Scientific analysis of dark net drug markets has been occurring since the inception of Silk Road in 2011.
- Cannabis
- MDMA (Ecstasy)
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)
- Prescription Medications (e.g., Oxycodone, Adderall)
How Do Transactions Work?
Transactions for dark web drugs generally follow a similar pattern:
- Users browse various marketplaces, such as Silk Road, AlphaBay, or Dream Market.
- Once a desired product is selected, users proceed to checkout.
- Payment is typically made using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin for anonymity.
- Buyers provide a shipping address, often using disguised addresses to prevent detection.
- The drugs are shipped discreetly, often with fake labels to avoid suspicion.
Risks of Purchasing Dark Web Drugs
Buying drugs from the dark web comes with several risks:
- Legal Risks: Purchasing illegal substances can lead to severe legal consequences.
- Health Risks: The purity and dosage of drugs are often unknown, increasing the risk of overdose.
- Scams: Many sellers may not deliver the products after payment is made.
- Exposure to Malware: Visiting dark web sites can expose users to viruses and hacks.
FAQs About Dark Web Drugs
Is purchasing drugs from the dark web legal?
No, buying drugs from the dark web is illegal in most countries and can result in criminal charges.
How can I access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web typically requires special software such as Tor, which anonymizes users’ internet traffic.
What payment methods are used for dark web drugs?
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are commonly used because they provide a degree of anonymity.
Can the police track dark web transactions?
While the dark web offers enhanced privacy, law enforcement agencies have developed methods to track down illegal activities and users through various tactics.
Conclusion
The dark web remains a complex and risky environment for those involved in the trade of drugs. Individuals must consider the Legal, health, and ethical implications before engaging in any transactions. Knowledge of the risks and a cautious approach can help mitigate potential dangers associated with the dark web.
