Christin and Thomas (2019) estimated that drug sales on cryptomarkets generated approximately €750,000 per day from European vendors alone, and illegal drug sales generated approximately $27 million between December 2013 and July 2015 in the U.S. (Statista, 2016). For example, from 2011 to 2017, drug sales on the dark web were estimated to be worth approximately $80 million per year; however, between mid-year 2017 and 2020, sales have increased to approximately $315 million per year (UNODC, 2021). Over the past decade, many illegal online pharmacies began utilizing social media platforms to expand their customer reach. Along with creating thousands of domain names to avoid the forced removal of their websites by authorities, criminal organizations will create many different social media accounts, switching from platform to platform to avoid being reported. These criminals use social media accounts not only as a method to sell drugs but to advertise their illegal businesses as well. Some social media pages do not have any posts and simply link to an external site, or their bio prompts the buyer to send a direct message (DM) for more information.
Understanding the Risks and Legalities
In fact, a Utah police officer said he uses social media in 90% of his busts. Let your kids know that they could easily ruin their future by engaging in illegal online activity. Remind them of how to stay safe onlineConnectSafely and Commonsense Media have very in-depth guides for parents. Let your kids know that you will be monitoring their phone and internet use. It may feel like you are invading their privacy, but safety is most important.
When considering how to buy drugs online, it is crucial to understand the legal implications and risks involved in such actions.
The easy answer as to why the purchase of drugs has become simpler is because of the growing access to the dark web. Teen and young adult users have found it easy to access this feature and feed their illegal drug addiction in this regard. Also, having access to drugs online makes purchasing drugs that much easier for drug users. Drug users also mistakenly believe that buying drugs this way somehow acts as a harm reduction filter and puts them in an awkward position of trying to find someone to sell them the drugs.
Buying drugs online is often illegal and can lead to severe legal consequences. Here are some critical points to consider:
- Legal Status: The legality of purchasing certain substances varies by country and even by state.
- Quality Control: There is no guarantee of the quality or authenticity of the drugs purchased online.
- Health Risks: Consuming unregulated substances can pose serious health risks.
Recently, a Nordic project used qualitative interviews and a digital ethnographic approach to analyze the phenomenon in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Findings indicated that drugs were sold via Facebook in Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden, but not in Finland and Norway, where other social media services such as Instagram were utilized (Bakken & Demant, 2019; Demant et al., 2019). While “swiping right” on modern dating apps like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble can bring users one step closer to matching with a potential partner, online drug dealers in Florida are abusing this opportunity to sell drugs and line their pockets. The 182-page report outlined the ways in which drug dealers use aggressive marketing tactics to sell illegal drugs online, often targeting younger customers, and urged social media platforms and state legislators to enforce new policies to crack down on the sales.
If you are convicted of federal drug trafficking charges, the punishment you face is harsh. Sentencing depends on how much of the substance you are charged with selling. Usually, people who buy drugs online face possession charges in the state where they live. In California, the charges you face depend upon the specific facts of your case. As a precaution, most dealers only use these platforms for advertising and work out the transaction details via Kik, a chatting app; the main difference is not between the various apps but between the two general styles of dealer found on these apps.
Drug Offenses Made Up Nearly
The survey also makes a number of findings about how people are using new psychoactive substances, or so-called “legal highs”. One of the most striking findings is the marked increase in the number of people who are concerned about their recreational use of nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas. But it is hackers demanding ransom money, not police, that’s the main worry for those operating DNMs, says Patrick Shortis. “The biggest source of disruption to markets is currently coming from the ongoing distributed denial of service [DDOS] attacks that have knocked markets and forums offline intermittently over the last few months,” he says. San Marcos drug crimes lawyer David C. Hardaway has extensive experience representing clients who have been charged with illegal drug possession. The unfortunate part is that receiving your package could take anywhere from days to weeks, and sometimes (about 10 percent of the time) it doesn’t show up at all.
Finding Reliable Sources
Some websites were developed during the height of the pandemic under emergency conditions, so some safeguards may be lacking, such as the physical exams generally expected as part of the provider–patient relationship. Other websites may not follow established procedures meant to protect consumers. For example, some sites only ask you to fill out a questionnaire before ordering prescription medicines. They don’t require face-to-face interaction with a healthcare professional.
In instances where individuals may need drugs for legitimate medical reasons, understanding how to buy drugs online safely is essential. This includes:
Online drug marketplaces seem to have started around 2011, when Silk Road disrupted the way people buy drugs, shifting from dark alleys to the dark web. Buying drugs online allows consumers to order from a smorgasbord of narcotics, delivered to the door via the postal system. From opioids and marijuana to crack, heroin, and fentanyl, it’s a porous buyer’s market.
- Researching Legitimate Pharmacies: Look for pharmacies that require a prescription and are licensed and verified.
- Checking Reviews: Explore online forums and reviews to ascertain the reputation of the pharmacy.
- Consulting Healthcare Professionals: Always discuss with a doctor before purchasing medications online.
Steps for Safe Online Purchasing
If an individual finds themselves needing to purchase legal medications online, here are steps to do so safely:
- Some experts also argue that online drug markets are safer than getting drugs on streets.
- You may end up with medicine that isn’t safe to take with other medicines or products that you use.
- The technology behind the dark web was originally created by the US Department of Defense for the purpose of protecting sensitive communications between spies.
- To find other drugs, Doe says that the search process can be more of a “gamble”.
- Verify the Pharmacy: Ensure the pharmacy is licensed in your country.
- Request a Prescription: Always obtain a prescription from a certified healthcare provider.
- Use Secure Payment Methods: Use secure and traceable payment methods to protect personal information.
- Read the Fine Print: Understand the pharmacy’s policies regarding shipping and returns.
FAQs
Q: Is it safe to buy drugs online?
A: It can be safe if you buy from a reputable and licensed online pharmacy. Always consult a healthcare provider first.
Q: How can I tell if an online pharmacy is legitimate?
A: Look for signs such as a physical address, a licensed pharmacist available for consultation, and the requirement of a prescription.
Q: What are the risks of purchasing drugs online?
A: Risks include receiving counterfeit medications, fraud, and potential legal consequences.
Conclusion
While the internet provides access to various substances, understanding how to buy drugs online involves significant responsibility and awareness of the legal and health implications. Always prioritize safety and legality when considering online purchases of any kind.
