Understanding the Dark Web
He and his coauthor, Kyle Soska, recently scraped data (pdf) on transactions and prices from 35 different drug bazaars between 2013 to 2015, in order to see how the market had evolved post-Silk Road. It was established in late 2014 and it encouraged (but did not mandate) the use of Monero. By July 2017, AlphaBay was roughly 10 times bigger than Silk Road ever was.
The dark web is a part of the internet not indexed by standard search engines. It requires specific software to access, most commonly Tor. This hidden side of the internet is known for its anonymity, which often attracts illegal activities, including drug sales.
Persistent Decatur Meth Dealer Is Back Behind Bars, Police Report
- According to the B.C Coroner Service, six people are dying everyday from toxic illicit drugs, with 2021 beingthe deadliest year on record in the province as there were 2,224 deaths.
- Although this survey study was not conducted among actual darknet market users, our findings and its extensive support by previous literature suggest that delivery issues indeed drive the recent stall in the volume of the darknet drug trade.
- (Some people also seek fentanyl and there are vendors who openly sell it.) Still, my sources agree, unwanted fentanyl is found in lower levels in drugs bought online compared with street drugs.
- But the most common and lucrative trade on the Silk Road was for drugs — by 2013, 70% of the products for sale on the Silk Road were drugs.
- I, for one, have basically given up on Washington, DC’s street “heroin.” Distressingly, it’s mostly oddly colored fentanyl.
Why People Use the Dark Web for Drugs
Individuals seeking drugs on the dark web may do so for various reasons:
These criminal activities include drug trafficking, illegal selling of firearms, and even the ability to hire a hit man. Search engines devoted to drugs like Cannahome list tens of thousands of substances across multiple marketplaces. Authors of the University of Texas study found almost 250,000 listings related to opioids on dark marketplaces, with over 28,000 product listings for opioids. As you would expect, a sprawling and unregulated marketplace like this attracts legions of scammers and con-artists, which have been the downfall of many darknet marketplaces.
Before we look into this, it is important to note that anyone who is dealing with a drug or alcohol addiction should seek help immediately. Renaissance Recovery is a treatment community that has partnerships with Orange County rehabs and offers sober living homes to all clients who need it. Silk Road offered drugs, porn and fake IDs and driver’s licenses for sale.
There are a variety of private and encrypted email services, instructions for installing an anonymous operating system and advanced tips for the privacy-conscious. Even completing a transaction is no guarantee that the goods will arrive. Many need to cross international borders, and customs officials are cracking down on suspicious packages.
- Anonymity: Many users believe they can purchase drugs without being tracked.
- Access: Certain substances may be easier to find online than in their local areas.
- Variety: The dark web can offer a wider range of products compared to local dealers.
He recommends verifying market employees carefully, and to weed out law enforcement infiltration through barium meal tests. If you have a teen who you suspect is experimenting with drugs, or if you have prescription opiates in your home that were prescribed to you by your family doctor, the use of Naloxone can be a lifesaver if your child is overdosing in the home. Remember, the misuse of drugs can also include the use of both prescription and non-prescription drugs – like cough syrup.
In addition to testing Hypotheses 1 and 2, it should be highlighted that reliable delivery of goods (TF 18) and vendor reliability (TF 2) were ranked at the top. In contrast, the option of registering (TF 9) and payment with cryptocurrency (TF 13) were ranked at the bottom of the list of the factors examined in the illegal purchasing situations. As charged in the indictment and the complaint, between February 2019 and January 2022, defendants Edison Hernandez, Michael Caruso, Raymer Ynoa and Irvin Hernandez separately operated a door-to-door drug delivery service in the New York City area. The defendants advertised their service with the name “Nino & Viktor’s Pastry Shoppe.” The service offered customers an array of different drugs for sale, including cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine, and MDMA. After customers ordered drugs over an encrypted messaging app, a deliveryman would arrive later the same day to distribute the drugs.
In light of difficulties posed by the encryption and anonymity features of software used on the dark web, the participants urged that law enforcement use best available standards, tools, and processes to capture evidence. To that end, a high-priority need identified during the workshop is encouraging establishment of standards for new processes used to capture dark web evidence. Whilst a great many products are sold, drugs dominate the numbers of listings, with the drugs including cannabis, MDMA, modafinil,[107][108][109] LSD, cocaine, and designer drugs. Additionally, parents should monitor their children’s online presence if you reasonably believe they are involved in drugs, paying attention to unusual package deliveries and investigating suspicious online search histories.
How to Buy Drugs on the Dark Web
Engaging in purchasing drugs illegally is risky and can have serious legal consequences. However, for educational purposes, here is a step-by-step process on how individuals might proceed with such transactions:
Step 1: Set Up Your Environment
Before accessing the dark web, take precautions to protect your identity:
- Use a VPN: A virtual private network can help conceal your IP address.
- Download Tor: This browser allows access to dark web sites.
Step 2: Browse Dark Web Marketplaces
Once your environment is secure:
- Access .onion websites, which are specific to the dark web.
- Look for reputable marketplaces where drugs are sold. Research and read reviews.
Step 3: Create an Account
Many marketplaces require users to create an account:
- Use an alias and avoid using any real personal information.
- Set up two-factor authentication if available for added security.
Step 4: Use Cryptocurrency
Transactions are typically conducted using cryptocurrency to maintain anonymity:
- Purchase Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency through a trusted exchange.
- Create a wallet to store your cryptocurrency safely.
Step 5: Make a Purchase
When ready to buy, follow these steps:
- Choose the drug and seller you wish to purchase from.
- Place an order by following the marketplace’s procedures.
- Send your cryptocurrency payment securely.
- Communicate with the seller through the marketplace’s messaging system.
Risks of Buying Drugs on the Dark Web
Purchasing drugs from the dark web comes with numerous risks:
- Legal Consequences: Law enforcement agencies monitor dark web activities.
- Scams: There’s a significant risk of fraud, with sellers that may not deliver products.
- Health Risks: The quality and purity of drugs are often questionable.
FAQs
Is it safe to buy drugs on the dark web?
No, buying drugs on the dark web is highly unsafe due to potential legal issues and health risks.
What should I do if I get caught?
Consult a legal professional immediately if you face any legal repercussions.
Are there legitimate uses for the dark web?
Yes, the dark web can serve as a space for privacy-focused communications and sharing information, but it often also encompasses illegal activities.
Conclusion
While the dark web provides access to various substances, the associated risks and potential consequences are substantial. Engaging in such activities can lead to severe legal and personal ramifications.
