Thousands of doses can be shipped together in small, hidden packages. While a prescription drug like oxycodone might have a street value of $80 per pill, in most states, a dose of heroin costs less than a pack of cigarettes. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Cronin told us that Gordon Jin would often slip fentanyl past U.S.
For this brief, we used OSINT to identify people trying to sell fentanyl on Flickr, which has 112 million users. In addition, we looked at how the social media platform Pinterest, which has 478 million users, is preventing pro-drug content on its platform. For example, on March 4, 2022, authorities in Portland, Oregon, confiscated 150,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl and twenty pounds of fentanyl powder.
Fentanyl is a powerful opioid pain medication that is often used to treat severe pain, such as that experienced after surgery. However, it is also a highly addictive drug that can have serious consequences when misused. Despite the risks, many people still seek out fentanyl for recreational use, and as a result, there is a thriving online market for the drug.
Street Fentanyl Surges In Western US, Leading To Thousands Of Deaths
Is it Safe to Buy Fentanyl Online?
- Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, created in laboratories in the 1960’s as a potent pain reliever for very specific circumstances.
- On-chain data reveals that one of them – named “One Stop Shop Pharmacy Online” – procured fentanyl from the dealer Alex Peijnenburg, who has been sanctioned by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
- Drug supply chains are changing in other ways as traffickers engage in a cat-and-mouse game to evade law enforcement.
- Xylazine Test Strips (XTS) are a tool to test drugs for the presence of xylazine, an animal tranquilizer.
- When Sim started selling it he had just graduated high school where he had top grades, good parents and before he turned 20, a major drug operation going between a house and apartment he rented.
- Fentanyl, acetylfentanyl and alpha-PVP are controlled substances in both China and the U.S.
The short answer is no, it is not safe to buy fentanyl online. There are several reasons for this:
Combining fentanyl with heroin compounds the overdose risk from variations in potency of these two powerful opiates. In addition, fentanyl overdoses appear to begin and progress more rapidly than heroin overdoses (Somerville N J 2017). Adding fuel to this fire is the emergent and intensifying contamination of the heroin supply with powerful synthetic opioids, especially fentanyl and its chemical analogues (Drug Enforcement Administration 2016a). Fentanyl is the central chemical in a family of over twenty analogues; it is a synthetic opioid with potent μ-receptor activity, registering 30–50 times more potent by weight compared with heroin (lead author calculation). In Philadelphia, fentanyl is often found in heroin and pressed pills (Xanax, oxys, percs) and could contaminate other drugs like cocaine, crack, and other stimulants. If you are around people or situations where an opioid overdose may occur, such as someone in your family uses opioids, you can become trained on how to administer it and have some on hand in case there is an overdose.
THE DRUG SUPPLY IS NOT RELIABLE WHAT YOU THINK YOU’RE GETTING ISN’T ALWAYS WHAT IT IS
- Quality and Purity: When you buy fentanyl online, you have no way of knowing what you are actually getting. The drug may be cut with other substances, or it may not even be fentanyl at all. This can lead to unpredictable effects and potentially dangerous situations.
- Legal Consequences: Buying and selling fentanyl online is illegal. If you are caught, you could face serious legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
- Health Risks: Fentanyl is a highly potent drug, and even small amounts can be deadly. If you are not experienced in using opioids, you may not be aware of the risks and could accidentally overdose.
If you suspect someone you know may have an opioid use problem, having Naloxone Nasal Spray nearby can provide additional time to get urgent medical help in the case of an overdose. However, most recent cases of fentanyl-related overdose are linked to illicitly manufactured fentanyl, which is distributed through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. It is often added to other drugs because of its extreme potency, which makes drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous. However, if a person is dependent on opioids (including people without substance use disorders, but on chronic pain medication) or has a habit, the more naloxone they get, the more uncomfortable they will be because of withdrawal symptoms. Be sure they don’t aspirate (inhale) the vomit by putting them in the recovery position if they’re unconscious.
Where to Buy Fentanyl Online: What to Look Out For
If you are still considering buying fentanyl online, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
How To Use Fentanyl Safely
- Reputation: Look for websites that have a good reputation and positive reviews from other users. However, keep in mind that these reviews may not be genuine, so take them with a grain of salt.
- Payment Methods: Be wary of websites that only accept cryptocurrency or other untraceable payment methods. This could be a sign that the site is operating illegally.
- Customer Service: Look for websites that have good customer service and are responsive to your questions and concerns. This can help ensure that you are dealing with a legitimate business.
Allawi accepted seven different crypto currencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, as payment for the pills. In Colorado last year, 1,881 people died from drug overdoses, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) – more than from diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and lung and breast cancer individually. Half of those accidental overdose deaths (912 people, most under age 44) died from an overdose involving fentanyl, a spike from 540 deaths in 2020. Some states consider them drug paraphernalia (items you need to consume drugs).
Alternatives to Buying Fentanyl Online
If you are experiencing pain and are considering using fentanyl, there are safer alternatives:
Fentanyl And Counterfeit Prescription Drugs: Facts And Myths
- Prescription Medication: Talk to your doctor about other pain medication options. They may be able to prescribe a different medication that is safer and more effective for your needs.
- Non-Pharmacological Treatments: Consider other treatments for pain, such as physical therapy, acupuncture, or massage.
- Support Groups: If you are struggling with addiction, consider joining a support group or seeking treatment from a mental health professional.
Conclusion
Buying fentanyl online may seem like a convenient and discreet option, but it is not without its risks. The drug may be of poor quality, and buying and selling it online is illegal. Additionally, fentanyl is a highly potent drug that can have serious health consequences when misused. If you are experiencing pain, talk to your doctor about safer alternatives. If you are struggling with addiction, consider seeking help from a mental health professional or joining a support group.