How The Dark Web Could Change The Drug Market…
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. As per the report, Hydra, a market that serves only Russian-speaking countries, is the largest darkweb market operating via crypto so far. In 2021, Hydra accounted for 80% of darknet market revenue worldwide, in terms of cryptocurrency. A separate criminal complaint was also unsealed today, charging Irvin Hernandez with being a member of the same door-to-door drug delivery conspiracy.
- Whilst in the past treason was punishable by death, the modern treason offences in Australia carry a penalty of mandatory life imprisonment.
- The survey noted a significant increase in rates for cannabis and LSD in the last four years, with a year-on-year decline for psychoactive substances, or ‘legal highs’.
- This virtual trade in narcotics encompasses just about any drug you can think of, from Quaaludes and fentanyl to more workaday choices like weed, cocaine, and meth.
Understanding the Dark Web Drugs Landscape
The term dark web drugs refers to illegal substances that are bought and sold on parts of the internet that are not indexed by traditional search engines. This digital black market operates through various anonymous networks, providing a platform for users to exchange illicit goods and services.
Between 2011 and 2013, its period of operation, an estimated $1.2 billion in sales took place on the Silk Road forum, involving 150,000 customers and 4,000 distributors. The 2013 shutdown of Silk Road did not hamper the sale and exchange of illicit goods on the dark net. On the contrary, alternative marketplaces have developed to replace the Silk Road, including Libertas Market, Wall Street Market, Dream Market, Berlusconi Marketplace, and many more.
Background research tasks included learning from past drug lords, researching legal matters, studying law enforcement agency tactics and obtaining legal representation. Patterns recommended to avoid include hiring hitmen like Dread Pirate Roberts, and sharing handles for software questions on sites like Stack Exchange. The rising international listings on Tor Market may reflect wider problems in the darknet ecosystem, including the closure of previously dominant darknet markets and the unreliability of many sites due to denial-of-service attacks. Darknets provide anonymous and direct access to international drug sellers who have MDMA, cocaine and opioids for sale – drug types not easily accessed in physical drug markets in New Zealand. These international sellers are otherwise unlikely to have any interest in supplying such a small, distant market. Dream Market became the largest online marketplace for illegal drugs with the Dread Pirate Roberts finding his ship dead in the water.
The Mechanics of Dark Web Drug Markets
Dark web drug trafficking is facilitated through various methods and technologies:
Meanwhile, the availability of emerging drugs such as new psychoactive substances and synthetic opioids on the dark web has been increasing in recent years, raising concerns that users may overdose on drugs they know little about. Non-fatal overdoes and deaths linked to substances such as fentanyl have been on the rise in North America and Europe in recent years, at the same time as their presence on the dark web has increased. “I don’t think anyone has found a more effective model for selling drugs online,” says Shortis. And aside from their wares, these marketplaces look remarkably similar to their counterparts on the “clearnet”, or regular internet. Users leave detailed reviews on the quality of a vendor’s product, speed of delivery, and how secure the shipping method was.
Silk Road operated via a hidden darknet feature in the anonymous Tor network. Accessed with an app, the Tor network allowed users to anonymously browse Silk Road without the threat of traffic monitoring. All transactions were conducted in cryptocurrency — namely Bitcoin — which further ensured anonymity. The number of arrests and amount of money seized were the most for any international Justice Department-led drug trafficking operation, he said. The operation, dubbed SpecTor, also included the seizure of 117 firearms, 850 kilograms of drugs — including 64 kilograms of fentanyl or fentanyl-laced narcotics — and $53.4 million in cash and virtual currencies, the U.S.
- Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies: Transactions are often conducted in digital currencies to maintain anonymity.
- Anonymous Browsers: Users typically access the dark web using browsers like Tor that offer privacy and security features.
- Trust-building Mechanisms: Sellers and buyers establish reputations through user reviews and ratings, akin to e-commerce platforms.
The other advantage of not having to be in the same location is that drug dealers who sell over the dark web do not need a critical mass of customers to sustain themselves like they do with a localized market. And, as with other online marketplaces, customers can also view feedback about the quality of drugs sold by suppliers, once again making it all the more easier for the illegal drug market to thrive. This study was designed to list trust factors potentially affecting illicit drug purchases and to test out their ranking by using a survey study based on a projective technique.
The Darknet constitutes a supply chain where drugs imported from China and Hong Kong are sold to U.K.-based customers. On average, 1,000 sales of fentanyl took place on the dark net between April and October 2017. As recently as December 2017, Kurt Lai Lan, a drug dealer in the U.K., was convicted for using the dark net to sell illegal drugs and receive payments in bitcoins. In a sting operation, British authorities intercepted a parcel containing 11,000 tablets of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) with a street value of £80,000.
Types of Drugs Commonly Sold on the Dark Web
The variety of substances available for purchase is extensive. Some of the most common include:
- Stimulants: Such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and ecstasy.
- Depressants: Including various prescription medications like benzodiazepines.
- Hallucinogens: Such as LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, and ketamine.
- Narcotics: Including heroin and fentanyl derivatives.
The Risks Involved
Engaging in the purchase of dark web drugs carries significant risks:
- Legal Consequences: Purchasing or selling illegal drugs can lead to severe legal repercussions, including arrest and imprisonment.
- Quality and Safety: Products are often unregulated, leading to the potential for adulterated drugs that pose greater health risks.
- Financial Scams: Users may fall victim to fraudulent listings, losing money without receiving goods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dark web?
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by standard search engines and requires specific software, configurations, or authorization to access.
Are all drugs on the dark web illegal?
Yes, drugs sold on the dark web are typically illegal substances not approved for use by governmental health organizations.
How can one stay safe while navigating the dark web?
- Use a reliable and updated VPN.
- Access sites through Tor to maintain anonymity.
- Engage only in transactions with reputable sellers.
Can law enforcement trace dark web drug transactions?
Although the dark web offers privacy features, law enforcement agencies are increasingly developing techniques to track and apprehend individuals involved in illegal online activities.
The Future of Dark Web Drugs
The landscape of dark web drugs continues to evolve rapidly, influenced by technological advancements, changing legislation, and shifting societal attitudes toward drug use. As digital currencies become more commonplace and dark web platforms continue to surface, the prevalence and accessibility of these markets are likely to grow.
Understanding the implications of engaging with dark web drugs is crucial for individuals considering participation in this clandestine economy. Awareness can lead to informed decisions and better choices regarding substance use and online behavior.
