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Understanding the Dark Web Drugs Landscape
Most sex workers in the middle and high end of the range no longer work with pimps or madams, because they can advertise for themselves online. But at the lower end (streetwalkers) and the very high end (escorts), the market still functions more or less as it has for millennia. Anybody who has seen All the President’s Men knows that, when it comes to criminality, the answer has always been to “follow the money”. Silk Road is just one website; bitcoin is potentially the foundation for a whole new economic order. I got a bit stumped with my dark net story, put it on hold and became more interested in the wonderful world of cryptocurrencies as the value of bitcoins soared over the next few months (the 1.5 bitcoins I’d bought for £20 were worth £300 at one point this spring).
- In a statement, the RCMP said it’s attempting to “identify shipping and manufacturing trends, international exporters, domestic distributors, clandestine labs and criminal networks in order to understand the fentanyl situation.”
- Some offer to send empty packages to new customers, so they can check for signs of inspection.
- Holding payment in escrow often has the added benefit of “tumbling” or “mixing” digital currency; this is a form of money laundering that severs the connection between a cryptocurrency address sending coins and the address to which they are sent.
The US District Court in Manhattan sentenced the man to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole and ordered him to forfeit 183 million dollars in proceeds of crime. The dark web is internet content that exists on overlay networks that require specific software, configurations or authorizations to be accessed. It forms a small part of the deep web, the part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines like Google. While total sales on all darknet markets increased in 2020, and again in the first quarter of 2021, data for the fourth quarter of 2021 suggest sales declined by as much as 50%.
The Netherlands played a significant role in this operation, with ten suspects arrested as part of the coordinated effort. The Dutch national police’s Cyber Enabled Crime Team was involved, and their cooperation with Europol was instrumental in identifying and apprehending important Dutch sellers operating on the dark web. The success of this operation was also evident in the takedown of the “Hydra” dark web market by German and U.S. authorities in April the previous year. This operation further illustrated the need for international collaboration to combat crime on the dark web effectively. These insights help us understand why the dark web is increasingly attractive, not only to consumers of illicit drugs but to the people who supply them.
Interventions should then be integrated into a comprehensive drug policy framework that includes other elements, such as targeted harm reduction and treatment. Although darknet marketplaces have a tiny share of the overall illegal drug-market pie, their very nature could make them tougher to crack, as we saw in the “Fentmaster” case. Public–private partnerships need to be forged with participation from internet service providers, tech companies, and shipping and mailing companies to improve government response to drug trafficking on the internet, the UNODC report says. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, more than 60% of all trading on the darknet consists of illegal drug trafficking (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2021).
It found an average purity level for cocaine, the drug for which it gathered the most data, of 71.6%, compared with 48% for cocaine bought on Spanish streets. Over half of the dark-web samples contained nothing but cocaine, compared with just 14% of those bought offline. Taking purity into account, it is probably cheaper to score online than via your local dealer, says Judith Aldridge of Manchester University. Narcotics prices there are usually three or four times higher than the rich-world average.
Often, that will include sealing products in ‘mylar’ – polyester film or plastic sheet – to prevent detection by police sniffer dogs and x-rays. Finding the right URLs involves some research, often into online discussion pages on websites like ‘Discord’ and ‘Reddit’, where users share links to sellers of high quality and safe products. According to Mr Martin, the drug trade may be experiencing the equivalent of the online retail boom of the 1990s, when department stores downplayed the threat posed by insurgent e-tailers. Those department stores have since built websites of their own—or gone out of business. Old-style drug lords might want to think about investing in cryptomarkets, or risk being disrupted out of existence. Another study, by Mr Décary-Hétu and Ms Aldridge, suggests that roughly a quarter of deals on dark-web markets appear to be for wholesale purposes.
Trade is booming despite disruptions from law enforcement and particularly “exit scams”, in which market admins abruptly close down sites and take all available funds. Drugs sold online have been found by experts like Winstock to be of a higher quality that those from street dealers or elsewhere. In the latest survey, the UK topped the charts of English-speaking countries accessing drugs online at 24.6 per cent of respondents, coming in third overall behind Finland (45.8 per cent) and Norway (30.3 per cent). “Wall Street market emerged from these ashes and was the most significant one in existence at the time. It would appear that law enforcement has followed the same pattern and that is why we are seeing arrests today.” Drugs seized including fentanyl, oxycodone, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and MDMA. Interestingly, the Dark Web is perhaps one of the few platforms where anyone can trade with anyone, regardless of their country, color or creed.
The dark web serves as a hidden part of the internet, accessible only through specific software, configurations, or authorization, facilitating a range of clandestine activities. Among these illicit services, dark web drugs have gained particular notoriety, drawing attention from law enforcement, journalists, and concerned citizens alike.
What Are Dark Web Drugs?
Dark web drugs refer to illegal substances available for purchase through clandestine online marketplaces situated on the dark web. These drugs often include:
- Stimulants (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine)
- Opioids (e.g., heroin, fentanyl)
- Hallucinogens (e.g., LSD, psilocybin mushrooms)
- Prescription medications (e.g., Adderall, Xanax)
How the Dark Web Functions
To access the dark web, users typically rely on Tor or similar anonymity software. This software allows users to surf websites that are not indexed by standard search engines. Here’s how purchasing dark web drugs generally works:
- Users download and install Tor browser.
- They find marketplace links, often shared in online forums.
- Buyers create an account and may need to use cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin for transactions.
- The drug is shipped discreetly to the buyer’s address.
Risks Associated with Purchasing Dark Web Drugs
Purchasing drugs from the dark web carries significant risks for buyers, including:
- Legal repercussions: Buying illegal substances can lead to criminal charges.
- Fraud: Scammers may take payment without delivering any product.
- Dangerous substances: There’s no way to guarantee the purity or safety of drugs bought online.
- Exposure to law enforcement: Surveillance of dark web activities can lead to arrests.
Common FAQs About Dark Web Drugs
1. Are all dark web drugs dangerous?
Yes, many substances sold on the dark web can be hazardous. Users often cannot verify the quality or composition of the drugs.
2. Can I be traced if I buy dark web drugs?
While purchasing via the dark web offers some anonymity, law enforcement agencies possess advanced technologies to track down illicit activities.
3. Why do people buy drugs on the dark web instead of street dealers?
Many individuals believe that dark web drugs provide a simpler way to access specific substances without the risks associated with direct street transactions.
4. How can law enforcement combat dark web drug trafficking?
Agencies utilize a combination of blockchain analysis, undercover operations, and intelligence sharing to combat the trade of dark web drugs.
Conclusion
The world of dark web drugs presents complex challenges, highlighting the intersection of technology, legality, and public health. Awareness and education are crucial in addressing the potential dangers associated with these substances and their procurement through hidden online channels.
