World’s 10 Deadliest Street Drugs
The importance of weight, value, potency, purity, and price of drug products was highlighted by previous darknet studies as well (Bancroft & Reid, 2016; Munksgaard et al., 2022). Great efforts have been made by federal officials to shut down major online marketplaces. They managed to bust the most booming darknet online drug market, Silk Road, just two years ago, but these drug busts are far and few. Darkweb sites are nearly impossible to trace through cyberspace and it takes years to disrupt their operations. The problem for DEA agents is that most illegal online drug markets are temporary and fleeting.
Silk Road launched in 2011, and although it was shut down by the Federal Bureau of Investigations by 2013, it took less than a month for its successor, Silk Road 2.0, to launch. Silk Road 2.0 was then shut down once again in 2014, and the United States government later seized more than $1 billion worth of Bitcoin in November 2020. One of the bigger changes the internet has introduced to the global marketplace is the ability to find, purchase and receive goods without ever leaving the comfort of home. Teenagers are now more commonly ordering illegal drugs online through the dark web, rather than buying them directly from a dealer in person, a Detective Garda investigating the criminal use of cryptocurrency has said…..
The Darknet and Its Appeal for Buying Drugs
On a forum, one user complains that he received a letter postmarked Hawaii saying that someone “has my info and he’s going to give it to the cops” unless five bitcoin ($1,217 at the time) are sent to an untraceable account. And cryptomarkets themselves have suffered distributed denial-of-service attacks, in which a website is brought down by a flood of bogus page requests. These may be orchestrated by rivals who want to grab market share, says James Martin, a cryptomarket expert at Macquarie University in Australia, just as offline gangs engage in turf wars. For most drugs, though, cryptomarkets allow dealers to avoid the dangers they face on the street.
Whatever your role in infosec, you probably know by now that dark web marketplaces offer budding and expert hackers various tools, data, credentials, ransomware, and malware for sale, with payment usually made via cryptocurrency. It’s in this underground landscape of shady buyers and sellers where dark web threats often lurk undetected until it’s too late and you suffer a breach. At the end of last month, a drug dealer called Chukwuemeka Okparaeke, whose online darknet avatar is “Fentmaster,” was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Undeterred, in his interview, DeSnake says that dark web markets typically gain an influx of new users only after another popular market shuts down or is busted by law enforcement. The platform founders implemented arguably the most stringent user security protocols of all dark net markets in existence today. They popularized the use of two-factor authentication and PGP encryption for all communications between buyers and sellers.
- The deep web is massive; it is estimated to represent 90 to 95 per cent of all the content online.
- Christin, whose team collects the data used extensively by the UN, puts the upper bound closer to $1 billion, since his team can only track a fraction of all sales taking place on these platforms.
- To find out, our recent study surveyed 13 darknet drug vendors, via online encrypted interviews.
- Users leave detailed reviews on the quality of a vendor’s product, speed of delivery, and how secure the shipping method was.
- It’s the customer reviews, not clever encryption, that’s the oil in the machine, the key to understanding how these markets tick.
The darknet refers to a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It often attracts individuals looking to buy drugs on darknet due to its perceived anonymity and ease of access.
Reasons People Choose to Buy Drugs on the Darknet
It is against the law to buy, possess, supply, import or unlawfully produce illegal drugs or psychoactive substances. There is a common belief that the dark net is a complex, secretive environment that involves encryption and hackers, where child abusers and drug dealers can work anonymously with little chance of getting caught. But using the dark net is actually no more complicated than using apps on your phone.
- Anonymity: The use of encryption and private networks helps shield users’ identities.
- Variety: The darknet offers a wide range of substances, often more than local dealers.
- Convenience: Users can browse and purchase drugs from the comfort of their own homes.
- Less Risk of Violence: Purchasing online can mitigate the risks associated with street deals.
How to Buy Drugs on the Darknet Safely
While many individuals are tempted to buy drugs on darknet platforms, it’s essential to prioritize safety.
Steps to Follow
- Select a Secure Browser: Use browsers like Tor to ensure privacy.
- Use VPN Services: A VPN can add an extra layer of security.
- Create a Pseudonymous Account: Avoid using your real name or identifiable information.
- Research Vendors: Look for credible sellers with good feedback ratings.
- Understand Cryptocurrency: Most transactions are conducted in cryptocurrencies for anonymity.
Risks and Legal Consequences
Buying drugs on the darknet comes with significant risks and legal implications.
Potential Risks Include:
- Scams: There is a risk of losing money to fraudulent sellers.
- Legal Action: Law enforcement agencies monitor darknet activities.
- Health Risks: The quality and purity of drugs are often unknown.
- Potential for Addiction: Easy access can lead to misuse and dependency.
FAQs About Buying Drugs on the Darknet
Is it legal to buy drugs on the darknet?
No, purchasing drugs is illegal in most jurisdictions, and buying from the darknet can lead to serious legal consequences.
How can I be sure a vendor is trustworthy?
Check user reviews and ratings, look for vendor reputation, and consider starting with small purchases to assess reliability.
What are common payment methods used on the darknet?
Many darknet transactions are carried out using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Monero, which offer a degree of anonymity.
Can I get caught buying drugs on the darknet?
Yes, law enforcement agencies employ various tactics to trace illegal activities on the darknet.
Conclusion
While the allure of purchasing substances in the comfort of one’s own home is tempting, the risks and legal ramifications associated with trying to buy drugs on darknet cannot be ignored. Responsible decision-making and understanding the potential consequences is crucial.