Why Are Darknet Markets So Volatile?
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. This part of the web is often associated with illegal activities, including the sale of drugs.
- So, if you have the right browser and you know where you’re going – to do that, you’ll need something like the Hidden Wiki – navigating the dark web should be easy if often frustrating.
- The first striking finding is that drugs bought on the dark web are comparatively pricey (see chart 1).
- That’s certainly one strategy for dark web monitoring, but it can be inefficient, time-consuming, and lacks coverage for other marketplaces.
- With a renewed focus on Fentanyl-related deaths among young people, we are now seeing the drug epidemic move to social media and many parents have no clue it’s happening.
- In the case of Garnett Smith, one of Baltimore’s biggest drug dealers, the DEA finally caught up with him through his Instagram photos of gold bricks, fast cars, and designer gear—for which he had no other source of income.
How to Access the Dark Web
Fentanyl sales on the dark web have been a major focus of U.S. law enforcement. Other potential illegal activities include identity theft, blueprint distribution, human trafficking, and weapon sales. The FBI’s 2013 crackdown on the Silk Road marketplace, an online narcotics bazaar, was a high-profile response to a large operation, the report noted. More recently, a collaboration of the FBI, DEA, ICE, and Homeland Security Investigations has shut down two major dark web markets, AlphaBay and Hansa, the RAND report noted. In January 2018, the Department of Justice created a joint enforcement team focused on dark web opioid sales.
To explore the dark web, follow these steps:
- Download Tor Browser: This is the most common method for accessing the dark web. Tor (The Onion Router) anonymizes your internet activity.
- Install a VPN: A Virtual Private Network can provide an additional layer of security, hiding your IP address.
- Connect to the Internet: Use the Tor browser to start accessing .onion sites specific to the dark web.
The prospect of solving illegal drug purchasing’s safety problem via online purchase seems pretty tempting. As noted above, you may think you’re anonymous, but you can make yourself visible to government and law enforcement monitoring. While most of the dark web operates under the radar, so to speak, government and law enforcement agencies around the world have also learned how to use the dark web. If you’re caught buying drugs on the dark web, you can face significant prison time. One of the main illegal activities carried out on the dark web is the online sale of black-market drugs. Instead of visiting questionable locations or trying to find a connection in your neighborhood, you can buy internet drugs while sitting at your dining room table or desk.
Regardless of how vendors try to conceal their fentanyl listings on the dark web, their activities can nevertheless be exposed through blockchain analytics. Our research shows that it is likely that some Chinese brokers are actively involved in the sale of chemicals on the darknet. For example, we identified sellers on Incognito Market that shipped from China a number of the chemicals that are offered by most of the Chinese suppliers we studied.
Several sites hosting illegal material have been discovered by government agencies and shut down in recent years, including Silk Road, AlphaBay, and Hansa. The dark web’s anonymity has also led to cybersecurity threats and various data breaches over the last few decades. At the time of its closing, the platform had nearly 900,000 users, of which more than a third—roughly 326,000—were active.
Informing potential users that their identity is not completely hidden, even when purchasing on the darknet, may also impact their perception of risk. Examples include the sale of high-quality products with low risk for contamination (including lacing and cutting), vendor-tested products, sharing of trip reports, and online discussion of harm reduction practices. While the above-mentioned examples of interventions effectively reduced the volume of the darknet drug trade, the policy recommendations presented above were designed to be implemented among potential customers. Since some users purchase on the darknet because they do not want to risk a personal meeting with dealers, darknet markets extend the range of potential users (Pergolizzi et al., 2017).
Too many high-quality drugs can also result in hospitalizations or even death. When you got home, you often found the drugs you’d purchased weren’t “as advertised” and were of a much inferior quality than you’d been promised. If you were younger, you also faced the problem of how to hide your drugs and drug use from your parents and friends. If you’re reading this article, should probably be using a VPN in your day-to-day life to begin with. While Tor offers great protection, it’s worth spending the extra $5 to further hide your identity. Prior to Keeper, Darren served as an advisor to JiWire, now called NinthDecimal.
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. Gramsadmin says he coded the engine on his own, working 14-hour days for the last two weeks, and would love help, though he suspects this will be difficult. “I have many ideas and features I am trying to implement,” he told Wired.
Navigating Dark Web Markets
Once you are on the dark web, you will encounter various markets where drugs can be purchased. Here are the steps to navigate these markets:
- Research Markets: Popular dark web markets include Silk Road, AlphaBay, and others, each offering different products.
- Create an Anonymous Identity: Use a pseudonym and consider using a separate email account for any communications.
- Explore Listings: Look for drug listings that include user reviews and ratings to ensure reliability.
How to Buy Drugs on the Dark Web
Buying drugs on the dark web may seem straightforward, but it requires careful consideration and precautions:
- Select Your Product: Browse through the listings and select the drug you wish to purchase.
- Add to Cart: Most listings will allow you to add items to a virtual cart for easy checkout.
- Choose a Payment Method: Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Monero are commonly used to maintain anonymity.
- Provide Shipping Details: Use caution when providing delivery information. Many users opt for package forwarding services to maintain privacy.
- Complete the Transaction: Follow the market’s instructions to finalize your purchase.
Staying Safe While Buying
Safety is crucial when navigating the dark web. Here are some tips:
- Use Encrypted Communication: Always communicate through encrypted channels to protect your identity.
- Check Reviews: Verify seller ratings and feedback before making a purchase.
- Start Small: Make small purchases initially to test the reliability of sellers and shipping methods.
- Be Aware of Scams: Many users get scammed; learn to identify potential fraud.
FAQs
Is buying drugs on the dark web legal?
Purchasing drugs, regardless of the platform, is illegal in many jurisdictions. Engaging in these activities can lead to serious legal consequences.
What payment methods are safest for buying on the dark web?
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are commonly used due to their privacy features. However, always research the safest options before proceeding.
How can I ensure my safety on the dark web?
Using a VPN, being cautious about what information you share, and buying from reputable sellers can improve your safety.
What should I do if I get scammed?
Report the incident to relevant authorities if possible, although recovery may be difficult. Learning from the experience is essential.
Conclusion
The dark web presents various risks and ethical concerns when it comes to buying drugs or engaging in other illegal activities. Understanding the implications and ensuring personal safety should be a priority for anyone considering this route.
