Understanding Darknet Drugs
Operation Dark HunTOR, stems from the takedown earlier this year of DarkMarket, the world’s then largest illegal marketplace on the dark web. At the time, the German authorities arrested the marketplace’s alleged operator and seized the criminal infrastructure, providing investigators across the world with a trove of evidence. Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) has since been compiling intelligence packages to identify the key targets. Kingdom Market charged vendors 500 Euros to start selling, then charged fees on sales. Transactions were conducted in cryptocurrency and Kingdom advised users in methods to conceal their transactions, the documents say.
Class A drugs could be found on the site in seconds, luring people to use the chat function to order their narcotics. The movement to easily accessible services and the way dealers are open to communication even on an unencrypted platform suggests the bold lengths they are heading in to capitalize on the market among young people. However, the constant shutdowns of these marketplaces and the difficulty to lure big numbers to the dark web has meant that criminal enterprises have had to think differently about how they reach their markets. At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic has helped open up new avenues for criminal activity, from the greater vulnerability of home working to restricted access to venues and the use of vaccine passports. People are online more than ever and may also be more susceptible to illicit offerings.
The term darknet drugs refers to illegal substances that are bought and sold on online platforms that require specific software to access, like Tor. This section explores the dark web, the types of drugs available, the implications of their trade, and relevant safety concerns.
Similar to the after effects of shutting down AlphaBay and Hansa, the RAMP marketplace closure caused little disturbance to the Russian segment of darknet cryptomarkets. RAMP vendors successfully shifted to other key marketplaces while a hidden service called Consortium attempted to create an “ex-RAMP Verified Vendor Community” specifically for reconnecting with known verified RAMP vendors. DarkOwl Vision has successfully archived over 9,000 results from Consortium’s hidden service domains. Consortium was formed in late 2017 shortly after the RAMP marketplace closure, and active through May 2018.
What Is The Dark Web, How Does It Work And Why Is It Such A Safe Haven For Criminals?
The Darknet Explained
- An important question is whether darknet markets are slowly reorganizing the global drug trade.
- This approach theoretically reduces the likelihood of scamming and law enforcement operations.
- A server can be connected to the Tor network without its location being detected.
- The majority of people who are actively using drugs need to resupply daily and do not want to go through the hassle of having to wait for a package in the mail.
The darknet is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It provides anonymity for users, making it a popular space for illegal activities.
If you search the term “dark web” on Google, for example, you won’t be able to find a link to actual darknets. There’s also a repository of material you can’t find on the surface web, from rare books to political news and whistleblowing sites. Many people the world over have the need for an anonymous channel of communication due to the censorship in place in some countries. For anyone addicted to drugs, waiting for supplies to arrive in the post – if they are not intercepted en route – can be challenging when there is a delay.
- Access: Typically requires special software such as Tor or I2P.
- Anonymity: Both buyers and sellers can remain anonymous, complicating law enforcement efforts.
- Diverse Marketplaces: There are several platforms dedicated to the sale of illegal goods, including drugs.
DF claims they are safe from investigation as the site’s business model differs from that of DeepDotWeb, which took affiliate sales fees in return for keeping lists of URLs updated. “I do not endorse sites and I do not take payment in exchange for anything. I am an uptime checker and a encryption-signature-verifier,” said DF. As with everything else during the years of the Covid-19 pandemic, contactless drug peddling was identified as an accelerating trend. However, by making a purchase from a drug dealer on the dark web, you could get yourself killed. You never know what’s in these substances, and they might be cut with harmful toxins or fentanyl, which is lethal in large doses. Taking any unknown drugs is dangerous, but even more so when they come from the dark web.
For law enforcement, attempting to bring an end to this criminal activity is a challenge that often feels like playing whack a mole. As soon as one illegal marketplace is taken down, another rises to take its place. If you’re just being introduced to the seedy underworld of the Dark Web, here are some helpful terms and definitions. The darknet, also called the darkweb, is a portion of the Internet that hosts darknet markets, or hidden commercial websites.
I don’t think people get ripped off as much online as they do on the street. But I hear stories all the time from people who fell for one of those “too good to be true” deals. Do you think any sellers are getting pure heroin (ie, heroin of any purity without synthetics) and cutting it with fentanyl or carfentanil? Somebody is obviously doing that, but I think it’s happening higher up the totem pole. If you’re dealing with customers, you’d have to be pretty fucking stupid to be doing that—especially if you’re selling online, sending it in the mail. In today’s bifurcated illicit drug trade, it’s increasingly common for transactions to occur anonymously, online—on the 0.01 percent of the deep web known as the dark web, which is inaccessible on most browsers.
Types of Darknet Drugs
Many different types of drugs can be found on the darknet. Some of the most common categories include:
- Stimulants: This includes substances like cocaine and methamphetamine.
- Depressants: Drugs such as Xanax and various opioids.
- Hallucinogens: LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, and other psychedelic substances.
- Research Chemicals: These are often untested substances marketed for their potential psychoactive effects.
Implications of Darknet Drug Trade
The trade of darknet drugs poses significant risks for both users and society at large:
- Health Risks: Many substances sold online are unregulated and could be contaminated or misrepresented.
- Legal Consequences: Buying or selling illegal drugs can lead to severe legal penalties, including imprisonment.
- Increased Crime: The existence of such marketplaces can fuel broader criminal activities, including trafficking.
Safety Concerns
Engaging in the purchase or sale of darknet drugs comes with various safety concerns:
- Scams: Many users report being defrauded, receiving no product or entirely different substances than ordered.
- Law Enforcement: Ongoing crackdowns have led to arrests of numerous individuals involved in darknet activities.
- Personal Safety: There is potential for violence or exploitation in face-to-face transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the most common drugs sold on the darknet?
Common drugs include cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and various synthetic cannabinoids and research chemicals.
Is it safe to buy drugs on the darknet?
No, buying drugs on the darknet is highly risky due to potential scams, legal repercussions, and health risks associated with unregulated products.
How do law enforcement agencies track darknet drug sales?
Agencies monitor online activity, use undercover operations, and analyze payment methods (like cryptocurrency transactions) to track illegal trade.
Can darknet drugs be tested for purity?
Some users utilize reagent testing kits, but testing is not always reliable and varies widely in accuracy.
Conclusion
The trade of darknet drugs continues to evolve alongside technology, posing ongoing challenges for public health, safety, and legal systems. Awareness of the risks and implications associated with these substances is crucial for informed decision-making.
