Understanding the Dark Web
Today, there are about 9,300 websites selling drugs illegally on the darkweb. Many people often assume that the dark web is fictitious, only used in movies and television to show characters selling or buying drugs. However, the dark web is actually a real thing that exists in the real world, and it’s something that drug addicts can use to get drugs. The dark web isn’t just a place for drug sales, it’s just a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines, and therefore doesn’t show up when googled for. Dealers advertise drugs using slang, emojis, QR codes and disappearing messages that help reach customers while evading content moderation tools on the social media platforms, the report said. Often drug sellers are active on multiple social media platforms — advertising their products on Instagram, but listing their WhatApps or Snapchat handles for inquiries — which makes it harder for law enforcement to crack down on the sales.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It hosts various websites that can only be accessed using specific software, most commonly the Tor browser. This anonymity attracts users for various purposes, including the buying and selling of illicit goods, like drugs.
As you can see, there are a number of reasons why buying drugs on the dark web is not a good idea for your personal, financial and legal safety. The best route possible would be not buying drugs at all and getting help for your addiction, if you need it. If you, or a loved one, are having difficulties staying sober, or you suspect there is a substance abuse problem, please do not hesitate to reach out to one of our addiction specialists today.
On most legal web markets, offline and online payment alternatives are available to customers. Offline payment is a confidence-building factor for those who do not dare or are unable to pay online and those buying higher-value products. Meanwhile, online payment is widely popular and is usually provided by reputable financial institutions, which can have a confidence-boosting role. Although an option to pay in cryptocurrency is still uncommon in legal e-commerce, there are obvious advantages to paying in cryptocurrency on illegal markets, as this kind of payment path is usually made untraceable by cryptocurrency mixers (Norbutas et al., 2020).
Risks Involved
“This sentence is a result of the hard work from our Postal Inspectors to bring these drug dealers to justice,” said Hedrick. To conclude, the Dark Web can be the most dangerous neighborhood on the Internet. Ensure that you are keeping your teenager and family safe from experimenting with the Dark Web and the illegal drugs available on its marketplaces.
Before diving into the process of how to buy drugs on the dark web, it is essential to understand the risks involved:
- Legal Risks: Buying drugs is illegal in most jurisdictions.
- Scams: Many vendors are dishonest and may take your money without delivering the product.
- Safety Concerns: Engaging with illegal activities can expose you to dangerous individuals and law enforcement.
Prices for harvested data on 2Easy are comparatively cheaper than the bots found on the Genesis market; some logs go for as little as $5. The data for sale on 2Easy comes from over 600,000 compromised devices, most of which have infostealing malware installed on them. Attacks typically target users of banking, cryptocurrency, e-commerce sites, and even email. Web injects often take the form of adversary in the browser (AitB) attacks where an unsuspecting user installs a trojan horse on their smartphone. This trojan horse enables an outsider to then control, alter, or view traffic flows between the app or website and a victim’s mobile device. Account takeover and fraud are common outcomes seen in mobile malware attacks.
Preparation Steps
65% of the transactions amongst our sample were received without any issue, while a further 6% were received, but were impacted by a particular issue (for example, the package did not contain the right quantity of the drug). The unsuccessful transactions represent 29% of the sample and were coded as 1. Both of these claims correspond with previous research showing that the dark web is perceived to be a safer place to buy and sell drugs.
Old-style drug lords might want to think about investing in cryptomarkets, or risk being disrupted out of existence. We excluded any sale that was more than a week old when the scrape took place. If a price was absurdly high we ignored the page; such “holding prices” are used by dealers to indicate a lack of supply.
To navigate the dark web safely and effectively, follow these preparation steps:
- Find a Secure Device: Ensure the device you are using is secure and has updated antivirus software.
- Download the Tor Browser: Visit the official Tor Project website to download and install the Tor browser.
- Set Up a VPN: Utilize a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for additional security and anonymity.
- Create a New Email: Set up a new email account not linked to your personal or primary email.
Accessing the Dark Web
Once you are prepared, you can access the dark web:
- Open the Tor browser.
- Access .onion websites, which are specific to the dark web.
- Use reputable directories or forums to find listings of marketplaces.
Hydra Market’s Servers, $25M In Bitcoin Seized By German Police In Dark Web Sting
Finding Vendors
- Data suggests that almost 40 percent of the revenue from drug sales on the dark web is from marijuana.
- After perusing the items available on the anonymous online market (step 5), the buyer will add opioids to their shopping cart (step 6).
- On many occasions, the Drug Enforcement Agency has been known to show up on people’s doorsteps after they’ve ordered a package.
- They managed to bust the most booming darknet online drug market, Silk Road, just two years ago, but these drug busts are far and few.
- You can buy credit card numbers, all manner of drugs, guns, counterfeit money, stolen subscription credentials, hacked Netflix accounts and software that helps you break into other people’s computers.
When searching for vendors to purchase drugs, consider the following:
- Marketplace Reputation: Check reviews and ratings for each vendor.
- Product Quality: Look for detailed descriptions and lab results, if available.
- Payment Methods: Most transactions are done through cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin for anonymity.
Making the Purchase
To complete your purchase, follow these steps:
- Select the product and vendor.
- Add the item to your cart.
- Proceed to checkout and choose your payment method.
- Carefully enter your delivery address; many use a safe address or PO Box.
- Confirm the transaction after reviewing all details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to buy drugs on the dark web?
No, there are significant legal and personal safety risks involved.
Can I get scammed on the dark web?
Yes, scams are prevalent. Always research vendors before making a purchase.
What should I do if I get caught?
If you face legal issues, consult with a qualified legal professional immediately.
Are there alternatives to buying drugs on the dark web?
Yes, there are legal alternatives such as seeking prescription medications from licensed healthcare providers.
Conclusion
Engaging in illicit drug purchases on the dark web comes with numerous risks that could have serious legal and personal consequences. It is crucial to weigh these risks against the potential benefits and consider safer, legal alternatives for obtaining substances you may feel you need.
