Annual Reports
Understanding the Dark Web
The technology behind the dark web was originally created by the US Department of Defense for the purpose of protecting sensitive communications between spies. It also offered an incredibly useful pathway for the dissemination of information, especially in countries with authoritarian governments who restricted free speech. Almost unintentionally, this communication technology provided a “digital roof” under which new markets could develop as demand for decentralized drug dealing grew. When governmental drug policy is restrictive, black markets will organically expand to meet a demand, unfortunately creating opportunities for unregulated manufacture and distribution. One study, published by the International Journal of Drug Policy, scrutinized lab results of more than 200 samples of drugs that were purchased on so-called cryptomarkets and collected by a Spanish NGO from 2014 to 2015.
These groups develop their own sophisticated malware, sometimes combined with pre-existing tools, and distribute them through “affiliates”. Now, it’s not all doom and gloom on the dark web, and neither is it a lawless jungle, even if the marketplace operates outside of laws. 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. The nature of the dark web is constantly evolving, so the loss of the Silk Road just led to a series of similar marketplaces filling the void. Tor has many legitimate use cases for those seeking privacy online, or for those prevented from accessing sites due to censorship in any given country.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by standard search engines. It requires specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. The most common method to access the dark web is through the Tor browser, which anonymizes users, making it challenging to trace their activities.
Risks Involved
Purchasing illegal substances on the dark web carries significant risks, including:
Dark web websites look pretty much like any other site, but there are important differences. That’s “a special-use top level domain suffix designating an anonymous hidden service reachable via the Tor network,” according to Wikipedia. Browsers with the appropriate proxy can reach these sites, but others can’t. Medical records, fee-based content, membership websites, and confidential corporate web pages are just a few examples of what makes up the deep web. Estimates place the size of the deep web at between 96% and 99% of the internet.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t other methods, because there definitely are. However, that doesn’t mean you should go looking, and we’ll get into the why next. You can consume “with a good conscious [sic]”, promises one vendor for his “ethically sourced” THC chocolate, which costs 13% more than the ordinary, immoral stuff. “Conflict-free” cocaine is also available for the humanitarian (or delusional) drug-taker. And “social” coke—a less pure version sold at a discount of 5-25%—is aimed at buyers who want to look lavish on a budget.
Tor is software that’ll allow you to browse the internet anonymously without rousing the suspicion of your local FBI agents. You’re also going to want to turn off JavaScript because the cops are smart enough to hack certain websites and then use malicious code in their Javascript to reveal your IP address when you view them. Another reason why getting drugs on the dark web is more difficult, or less appealing to the buyer, is having to wait for the product to come in the mail. Although some users may have to wait a couple hours for their normal dealer to answer the phone, or show up at the meeting spot, waiting for drugs purchased on the dark web could take weeks, that is, if they ever come. This could be a major problem for someone looking to get a quick fix, while avoiding withdrawal symptoms.
- Legal consequences: Buying drugs can lead to severe legal issues if caught.
- Financial loss: There’s a possibility of being scammed.
- Personal safety: Transactions might involve dangerous individuals.
- Health risks: Unregulated drugs may pose serious health threats.
“You have the availability of multiple dealers so you can compare products – and customers can review the dealer’s product, too.” Out of reach of regular internet searches is the secretive online world known as the ‘dark web’ – anonymous, virtually untraceable global networks used by political activists and criminals alike. Some of us who use drugs are lucky enough to have physical access to a safe supply. Understanding the facts about drug use and addiction is an important part of drug prevention, especially when getting drugs seems to be easier than ever before. Just one example quoted to me was the potential of buying ecstasy pills at £2 a pop (in bulk) and selling them on for at least £10 each to student clubbers.
Dark web search engines exist, but even the best are challenged to keep up with the constantly shifting landscape. Even one of the best search engines, called Grams, returns results that are repetitive and often irrelevant to the query. Link lists like The Hidden Wiki are another option, but even indices also return a frustrating number of timed-out connections and 404 errors. All this activity, this vision of a bustling marketplace, might make you think that navigating the dark web is easy. The place is as messy and chaotic as you would expect when everyone is anonymous, and a substantial minority are out to scam others.
Getting to the dark web is actually a lot easier than you might think—navigating it is a different story. Here’s a quick tutorial on how to safely access the dark web and tips on how to use it. Get Norton 360 Deluxe to help protect the personal data you send and receive online. In another instance, we have identified on-chain payments between vendor clusters and suppliers of pill presses and dies – equipment needed for manufacturing precursors. This indicates that some vendors are directly involved in the manufacturing and supply, as well as onward distribution.
How to Buy Drugs on the Dark Web
If you proceed despite the risks, here’s a general guide on how to buy drugs dark web:
Step 1: Setting Up a Secure Environment
- Download and install the Tor browser.
- Consider using a VPN for an added layer of anonymity.
- Adjust your security settings for maximum privacy.
Step 2: Finding Marketplaces
- Although Grams is still in beta, it’s already serving up results from eight online markets, thanks to an API the developer made available to site owners to allow his engine to scrape their product listings.
- “In any illicit markets, you’re going to have some quality uncertainty and uncertainty about what it is you’re consuming,” says Munksgaard, who wasn’t involved with the drug-testing study.
- You can consume “with a good conscious [sic]”, promises one vendor for his “ethically sourced” THC chocolate, which costs 13% more than the ordinary, immoral stuff.
Locate dark web marketplaces through forums or directories. Some popular marketplaces include:
- Dream Market
- Empire Market
- Silk Road (historical reference)
Step 3: Creating an Account
Once you find a marketplace:
- Create an anonymous account using a pseudonym.
- Do not use personal information.
Step 4: Funding Your Account
Many marketplaces use cryptocurrencies for transactions. Here’s how to proceed:
- Purchase a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or Monero from a reputable exchange.
- Transfer the funds to your marketplace account.
Step 5: Making a Purchase
To buy drugs:
- Search for the desired substance using the marketplace’s search function.
- Read vendor reviews and ratings for reliability.
- Select the product and choose the quantity.
- Complete the transaction using your cryptocurrency balance.
Step 6: Secure Shipping
When receiving your order:
- Consider using a discreet shipping address.
- Monitor the tracking information provided by the vendor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is buying drugs on the dark web legal?
No, purchasing drugs on the dark web is illegal in many jurisdictions and can result in criminal charges.
What are the safest payment methods?
Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Monero are commonly used due to their anonymity.
How can I avoid scams?
Research vendors by reviewing feedback and ratings. Stick to established marketplaces with good reputations.
What if my order gets intercepted?
Receiving illegal substances can lead to serious legal consequences. Use discretion and consider the risks involved.
Conclusion
Understanding how to buy drugs dark web involves navigating a complex and risky environment. The legal, personal, and health risks far outweigh the benefits, and caution is strongly advised.
