Content
Shedding Light On The Dark Web
Understanding the Darknet: A Guide to Buying Drugs
The DEA agents on Engstrom’s trail, meanwhile, used toll records to determine when Engstrom visited BitLiquid on his phone, and monitored the BitLiquid wallet for activity in those time frames. One transaction that lined up—an exchange of $37,000 in Paxos Standard for $36,900 in cash—automatically triggered a Currency Transaction report, or CTR, because it was over $10,000. That CTR allowed investigators to trace Engstrom’s deposits to his personal crypto wallets totaling $3 million—money that investigators believe come from dark web cocaine sales.
The nature of the dark net forces even municipal police officers to work globally to trace shipments and financial transactions. Investigators in Calgary say police crackdowns haven’t been enough to suppress the growing appeal of dark web markets. “[Given that] the dark web is anonymous, it allows for a very easy vehicle in order for people to buy drugs,” Lalande says.
The darknet is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines, making it a hub for various illicit activities, including the ability to buy drugs on darknet.
Similar to legal online retailers, dark net drug listings feature dozens of reviews, assessing the products for quality, purity and shipping times. These drug markets are clandestine dispensaries of illicit and dangerous substances that are sold in exchange for cryptocurrencies, such as bitcoin. For police, they pose a challenging front in the fight against the opioid crisis.
Patterns recommended to avoid include hiring hitmen like Dread Pirate Roberts, and sharing handles for software questions on sites like Stack Exchange. They were accused of illegally selling fentanyl, oxycodone, amphetamine, cocaine and ecstasy. Among the U.S. targets were the operators of two darknet accounts in Florida and Rhode Island that advertised and sold fentanyl pills throughout the country, the Justice Department said.
Researchers found a quarter of the drug sales were for listings worth more than $1,000 (£768), suggesting that these purchases were intended for resale. Because they live on the fringes, these sites are remarkably innovative. The currency of choice here is Bitcoin, the digital cryptocurrency, which can be exchanged easily enough for real world currency, and offers its users a high degree of anonymity. To help keep buyers anonymous, other developers have created “tumbling” services, which are a sort of micro-laundering system that obscures who is sending Bitcoins to whom.
The study found more than 90 per cent of the samples contained the drugs they were sold as, and that most samples were of high purity. Most estimates suggest roughly 5% of all web content resides on the dark web. A 2015 study of dark web content found over 50% of all material was illicit.
Only 30 percent of those who bought more than once sought out new vendors. Theeconomist1 speculates that vendors for RC and possibly alp buy the chemicals overseas (often from China), press them into pills, and then sell the final (or intermediate product) on the web. At Ulbricht’s trial, his lawyers argued the dark web made drug dealing safer. But for it to reduce most of the violence and other risks in the drug trade, the dark web would need to reach a larger market. And despite its impressive growth, both TheEconomist1 and Christin agree that probably won’t happen.
What is the Darknet?
It’s important to point out however that as long as the dark web provides an outlet for anonymously trading in illicit goods, malware, and stolen data, dark web marketplaces will continue to emerge and flourish. The emergence of Telegram as a new dark web frontier also partly explains the revenue reductions in traditional dark web marketplaces. Threat actors and aspiring cybercriminals have been flocking to Telegram channels and groups hoping to benefit from even better anonymity and default end-to-end encryption. With more intense pressure from law enforcement, being extorted by other threat actors, and changes in personal circumstances, it’s clear that many dark web market admins and owners feel the risks are too great. It seems the older the market, the more likely these factors account for its closure.
The darknet operates on overlay networks, utilizing unique software such as Tor to ensure anonymity. It hosts marketplaces where users can freely trade items, which unfortunately includes illegal substances.
- However, the constant shutdowns of these marketplaces and the difficulty to lure big numbers to the dark web has meant that criminal enterprises have had to think differently about how they reach their markets.
- That said, CoinDesk’s “Payments Week” is exploring the various ways that cryptocurrencies are actually being used to pay for goods and services.
- The mere fact that most people are unable to access the dark web, especially without some sort of insider knowledge, shows just how difficult it could be for the average joe to purchase illicit drugs using it.
- “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.
- “I have many ideas and features I am trying to implement,” he told Wired.
Why People Choose to Buy Drugs on the Darknet
There are several reasons why individuals turn to the darknet for purchasing drugs:
- Anonymity: The use of Tor and cryptocurrencies helps maintain users’ privacy.
- Accessibility: Unlike traditional drug markets, the darknet can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Variety: Users often find a wider array of substances, including rare drugs not available in local markets.
- Pseudonymity: Many users prefer the lack of direct personal interaction, minimizing the risk of getting caught.
How to Buy Drugs on the Darknet
If one is considering entering the darknet for this purpose, it is crucial to understand the steps involved:
- Set Up Your Security: Utilize VPNs and Tor browsers to hide your IP and encrypt your connection.
- Create a Cryptocurrency Wallet: Most darknet transactions are conducted using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
- Access Darknet Marketplaces: Visit forums or guides to find reputable marketplaces.
- Research Vendors: Check user reviews and ratings to ensure you’re dealing with trustworthy sellers.
- Make Your Purchase: Choose the desired drug, confirm the payment, and wait for the delivery.
Risks Involved in Buying Drugs on the Darknet
Engaging in illicit purchases on the darknet carries significant risks, including:
- Legal Consequences: Law enforcement agencies actively monitor darknet activities.
- Fraud: Many vendors are unreliable, leading to potential loss of money without receiving products.
- Safety Concerns: The quality and purity of drugs can be questionable, posing health risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to buy drugs on the darknet?
No, purchasing illegal substances is against the law in most countries, regardless of whether it’s done online or in person.
How can I ensure my safety when buying on the darknet?
Using a combination of VPNs, Tor, and secure payment methods can enhance your safety; however, risks remain.
What should I do if I get scammed?
If you’re scammed, there may be limited recourse due to the anonymous nature of the darknet. It’s advisable to research thoroughly to avoid scams in the first place.
Can law enforcement trace transactions on the darknet?
While darknet transactions are designed to be anonymous, there are sophisticated methods law enforcement can use to trace them back to individuals.
Conclusion
The decision to buy drugs on darknet is fraught with dangers, both legal and personal. It is crucial to weigh these risks carefully and consider the potential consequences before engaging in such activities.
