HSI Arizona Investigation Sends 3 Darknet Fentanyl Vendors To Prison For More Than 20 Years
Understanding Darknet Markets and Fentanyl
On the other hand, those involved in the darknet drug trade may argue that their activities are necessary due to the prohibition of certain substances and the high demand for them. As with everything else during the year of the Covid-19 pandemic, contactless drug peddling was identified as an accelerating trend. Even before Covid-19, though, the accessibility of drugs had begun widening, with dealers turning to social media and even popular e-commerce platforms to peddle their wares. Currently it is cannabis, which has been fully legalized across several states in the U.S., that dominates darknet sales. Meanwhile, marketing on the “clear web” often involves new psychoactive substances (NPS) and those used in the making of synthetic drugs, including precursor chemicals.
A San Fernando Valley man and woman have been indicted for selling hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of fentanyl-laced pills and cocaine around the nation on dark web marketplaces, the U.S. Hydra Market, which started operating on the encrypted and anonymous dark web in 2015, made up 80% of darknet sales and brought in about $5.2 billion in cryptocurrency, according to the U.S. Hydra’s servers were seized in Germany by police there Tuesday morning in coordination with U.S. law enforcement. The modern epidemic of fentanyl adulteration is far broader in its geographic distribution, production and number of deaths. Overdose deaths roughly quadrupled, going from 8,050 in 1999 to 33,091 in 2015.
Forbes also found a search warrant related to the investigation, which showed how the brothers’ mother was of interest to FBI agents. It detailed how investigators subpoenaed virtual currency exchange Coinbase to hand over details on multiple customer accounts linked with the alleged conspirators, and one was tied to Demetra Isbell, the Sirotkin’s mother. “Basically, it’s so cheap to produce and it’s so powerful, that drug dealers began realizing it was a way to increase their profits,” Westoff says.
The **darknet** refers to a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. One of the most alarming aspects of the **darknet** is its role in the illegal drug trade, particularly in the sale of **fentanyl**.
What is Fentanyl?
This week’s accumulated seizures of drugs, high velocity weapons and arrests of nearly 300 people on three continents makes the worldwide bust the largest-ever targeting fentanyl and opioid trafficking. This week federal law enforcement took down hundreds of darknet traffickers around the world and a pair of accused dealers traveling through Midway Airport. Researchers said the study was limited because they were unsure what proportion of AlphaBay’s sales were Pharma-Master’s, adding that Pharma-Master “may have been atypical,” because most online drug sellers are “small and short-lived.” They also operate more like a legal firm than a “traditional” drug organization, in that their staff has specialized roles, while ownership operates separately from workers. On that very same day that the FBI announced Operation SaboTor, a notice appeared on the front page of Dream. It told users the market would be shutting down on April 30th but it would be moving to a partner platform and it would get a new onion address.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is significantly stronger than morphine. It is used medically for pain management but has gained notoriety due to its potency and the risk of overdose. The following points highlight the characteristics of fentanyl:
Journalist Ben Westhoff says the drug, while an important painkiller and anesthesia medicine in hospitals, is now killing more Americans annually as a street drug than any other in U.S. history. Researchers found online drug sellers can expand rapidly because they are not limited by geography, have low costs and can reach many customers at once without meeting in person. They also operate more like a legal firm than a “traditional” drug organization, in that their staff has specialized roles, while ownership operates separately from workers. Usually, criminals sell access to exploits and stolen data, but increasingly sites such as 0day.today are releasing more free material, from exploits to data dumps.
- Potency: Approximately 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine.
- Formulation: Available in various forms such as powders, patches, and lozenges.
- Illicit Use: Often mixed with other drugs, leading to a higher risk of overdose.
Our analysis has revealed that dark web vendors have purchased fentanyl to the tune of $0.5 million from dealers. Though this is dwarfed by the direct export trade – which exceeds $32 million in crypto – there nevertheless remains some key implications for countering the trade in fentanyl. It is important to note that the use of these drugs can lead to addiction and other health problems. Therefore, it is essential to seek professional help if you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction. A man accused of selling fentanyl over the dark web and possessing child porn has been sentenced to more than 24 years in prison, officials announced Monday.
What Darknet Markets Sell Fentanyl?
Several **darknet markets** have been identified as platforms where illicit drugs, including **fentanyl**, are sold. Here are some of the prominent markets:
- AlphaBay: Once one of the largest darknet marketplaces, it gained a reputation for a wide variety of drugs, including fentanyl. Its closure in 2017 heightened the demand for similar platforms.
- Silk Road 2.0: A successor to the original Silk Road, known for its extensive listings of opioids, including fentanyl. It was shut down in 2014.
- Dream Market: Operated for several years and provided listings for various drugs before its shut down in 2019. It was well-known for the sale of synthetic opioids.
- Bass: A market that emerged recently, emphasizing a range of synthetic drugs, including fentanyl. It operates on an invite-only basis.
- DarkMarket: This marketplace becomes accessible through specific forums and is known for a variety of narcotics, primarily emphasizing synthetic opioids.
- DarkMarket had flourished in large part because Wall Street Market had been crushed.
- “Pharma-Master was just one drug-trafficking organization and while it was a successful one, it was not long-lived,” notes Philippe C. Schicker, who coauthored the study while he was a master’s student in public policy and data analytics at Carnegie Mellon’s Heinz College.
- Similarly, the CDC reported a significant increase in law enforcement encounters involving positive tests for fentanyl, beginning in 2013.
Reasons for the Sale of Fentanyl on Darknet Markets
The sale of **fentanyl** on **darknet markets** can be attributed to several factors:
- Accessibility: The darknet provides anonymity to buyers and sellers, making it easier to access drugs that are tightly regulated by authorities.
- Price: Fentanyl can often be obtained at a lower price than other opioids, making it appealing to users seeking more potent substances.
- Variety: The darknet offers a wide range of substances, often including analogs and counterfeit drugs containing fentanyl.
Risks of Purchasing Fentanyl on Darknet Markets
- Legal Issues: Engaging in the purchase of drugs from the darknet can lead to serious legal consequences.
- Health Risks: The variability in fentanyl dosages and potential for contamination increases the risk of overdose, which can be fatal.
- Scams: There is a risk of fraud in transactions, with the possibility of receiving fake or incorrect substances.
FAQs
Can fentanyl be purchased safely on darknet markets?
No, purchasing fentanyl or any other drug from darknet markets is illegal and comes with substantial health and legal risks.
What are some signs of fentanyl overdose?
Signs of overdose include respiratory depression, extreme drowsiness, and loss of consciousness. Immediate medical attention is critical.
Are there legal alternatives to fentanyl?
Yes, there are legal pain management options available that are prescribed by healthcare providers. Always consult a medical professional for safe alternatives.
Conclusion
The presence of **fentanyl** on **darknet markets** underscores the complexities and dangers associated with the illegal drug trade. As synthetic opioids continue to pose a public health crisis, awareness and education about the risks are essential for prevention and harm reduction.
