Content
Know How Dark Web Websites Work
Understanding the Darknet
Free samples of cocaine, MDMA and prescription medication were part of alleged dark web dealer Cody Ward’s business plan until he was arrested in February this year. Chris is far from alone – research done by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission last year shows that Australia has the second-highest number of dark web dealers per capita, after the Netherlands. Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s services are here to support communities across all states and territories. Many people who use drugs regularly do not think that far ahead, especially in terms of how long their stash is going to last.
The darknet refers to parts of the internet that are not indexed by standard search engines. Access requires specific software, configurations, or authorization, making it a somewhat hidden part of the online world.
Why People Turn to the Darknet
The first and most well-known Dark Web site was Silk Road, which was shut down by the federal government in 2013. Fernanda Dahlstrom has a Bachelor of Laws, a Bachelor of Arts and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. Fernanda practised law for eight years, working in criminal defence, child protection and domestic violence law in the Northern Territory and in family law in Queensland. The conspiracy charge is punishable by up to five years in prison, the counterfeit drugs charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and the mail charge carries a maximum 20-year term. All are also subject to a fine of up to $250,000, or both prison and a fine.
Earlier this year, a study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found illegal websites have sales that average $300,000 to $500,000 a day. The study found marijuana accounted for about one-quarter of sales, followed by Ecstasy and stimulants. These websites also sell significant amounts of psychedelic drugs, opioids and other prescription medications. Under these provisions, a trafficable or commercial quantity of a drug is determined by the weight of the drug, rather than purity. This means that a person can be deemed to have intended to sell or supply a drug, even when the amount they possessed was quite small but it was diluted in a large amount of other material. We excluded any sale that was more than a week old when the scrape took place.
Given its lawlessness, complexity and lack of transparency, monitoring the Dark Web requires expertise and experience. It is often difficult for organisations due to a lack of highly skilled resources and skillset they typically have available. Instead, companies would be better served by working closely with a technology provider who can provide the relevant support along with assistance in closely monitoring the Dark Web for relevant data using specialist tools and techniques. That’s when Freenet, a peer-to-peer sharing network focused on anonymity, was launched.
Like other dark web markets, it was accessible only on anonymity browsers like Tor and I2P. Virtually all drugs sold on the dark web are shipped through the mail. A 2016 LegitScript report prepared for CSIP showed that, without exception, drugs sold through test buys from the surface web were shipped from the country of origin using public (government-run) postal services. Officials spoke with former drug users and sellers and families of overdose victims for the report. Compared with legal online markets, trust in cryptomarkets lies more with sellers than with the platform on which they operate. Exit scams and police takedowns mean no site becomes dominant, and customers are resigned to none lasting long.
This wasn’t the typical sentiment of a drug dealer, so I sent them a DM to get a pulse on their vibe. After swapping a few messages, I told them I wanted to purchase an ounce. I wanted the ounce so bad that getting scammed out of $300 was worth the risk—because what if it did actually arrive in the mail?
There are several reasons individuals choose to explore the darknet, including:
“Frank related he uses either his phone or home computer to access and order items from the darknet,” Sonka alleged. A search of the other two parcels that Frank retrieved uncovered $2,000 cash in a parcel originating from California and 15 pills identified as Alprazolam, another controlled substance, originating from Texas, according to the criminal complaint. Frank admitted that the parcel he received that day from France was MDMA that he purchased on the dark web and that one of the other two parcels he obtained contained cash. Those arrested include 65 people in the U.S., 47 in Germany, 24 people in the United Kingdom, four in Italy, four in the Netherlands, three in France, two in Switzerland and one person in Bulgaria.
- Privacy: Users seek anonymity and want to shield their identity.
- Access: Certain products, including drugs, may not be easily available on the conventional market.
- Price: Some users believe they can find cheaper prices on the darknet.
How to Buy Drugs on the Darknet
For those considering buying drugs on the darknet, it’s crucial to approach the situation with caution and awareness of the associated risks. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Obtain VPN and Tor Browser
Security is paramount. Begin by:
- Installing a reliable VPN to hide your location and encrypt your internet traffic.
- Downloading the Tor Browser, which allows access to .onion sites on the darknet.
Step 2: Find Darknet Marketplaces
Once the Tor Browser is set up, browse for darknet marketplaces. Popular ones include:
- Silk Road (now defunct but was iconic)
- Empire Market
- Darknet Heroes
Look for user reviews and reputation to ensure you’re on a legitimate site.
Step 3: Create an Account
After selecting a marketplace, you’ll need to create an account. Be sure to:
- Use an anonymous username without personal details.
- Set up a secure password.
Step 4: Fund Your Account
The next step is to fund your account. Most markets will require cryptocurrency, commonly:
- But reviews and forums give buyers more power, as does the escrow system.
- Not only does the darknet offer a sense of safety for purchasers, it offers an education.
- So, even if they were to somehow gain access in order to buy them, they most likely would be deterred because it typically costs much more than just meeting your dealer on the street.
- Encryption technologies allow vendors to communicate with customers and receive payments anonymously.
- Bitcoin
- Monero (for enhanced privacy)
Use a secure wallet to store your cryptocurrency.
Step 5: Browse and Purchase
Now you can search for drugs. To do so:
- Utilize the search function or browse categories.
- Review product details, seller ratings, and transaction history before making a purchase.
- Add the desired items to your cart and proceed to checkout.
Step 6: Making the Payment
Follow the marketplace’s procedures to complete the payment using your cryptocurrency.
Step 7: Delivery and Security
Finally, understand that privacy is important. For delivery:
- Opt for discreet shipping to avoid detection.
- Monitor your order status using the tracking provided.
Important Considerations
While the steps outlined provide a method for purchasing drugs on the darknet, there are serious legal risks and potential dangers involved:
- Legal Consequences: Purchasing illegal drugs can lead to severe penalties.
- Scams: Many transactions can be fraudulent, resulting in a loss of money.
- Health Risks: Unregulated substances can pose serious health threats.
FAQs
Is buying drugs on the darknet safe?
No, buying drugs on the darknet poses significant risks, including legal trouble and health dangers.
What cryptocurrencies are the best for transactions?
Bitcoin and Monero are popular options for their anonymity features.
Can law enforcement track darknet purchases?
While anonymity tools are used, law enforcement agencies have ways to potentially track down illegal activities.
What are the consequences if caught?
The consequences can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense.
