The Joint Criminal Opioid Darknet Enforcement Group Targets Illegal Drug Sales On The Dark Web
“For an increasing number of young addicts, opioids are purchased not from local dealers but from pushers online,” Rosen said. “Hiding behind anonymizing software known as Tor, a new sort of drug kingpin now is able to reach more buyers than ever before, through online marketplaces peddling every sort of illicit good and service imaginable.” Resecurity forecasts an active growth curve in the Dark Web ecosystem centered around illegal drugs and counterfeit pharmaceuticals in light of post-pandemics and complicated geopolitical agendas preventing law enforcement from operative cooperation.
Understanding Darknet Drug Trafficking
The term darknet drug trafficking refers to the buying and selling of illegal drugs through online platforms that are not indexed by traditional search engines. These marketplaces operate on the dark web, which requires specific software to access, ensuring anonymity for both buyers and sellers.
How the Darknet Functions
DENVER — The leader of a European-based drug trafficking organization, which operated in secret using the Darknet, was sentenced Wednesday to 11 years in federal prison for conspiracy to import controlled substances into the United States, and conspiracy to launder money. In an annual online crypto crime report, blockchain investigations firm Chainalysis details the statistics related to online criminal activity involving cryptocurrency. All of the money exchanged here was in cryptocurrency converted to dollars to better understand the value. Consumption may occur much more at home, especially with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic globally [58]. The pandemic has affirmed and extended existing inequalities [59], and the digital market has contributed to that.
Operation SpecTor was a coordinated international effort spanning three continents to disrupt fentanyl and opioid trafficking on the darknet, or dark web. The operation was conducted across the United States, Europe, and South America, and was a result of the continued partnership between JCODE and foreign law enforcement against the illegal sale of drugs and other illicit goods and services on the darknet. Operation SpecTor builds on the successes of prior years’ operations and takedowns of marketplaces, which result in the seizure of darknet infrastructure providing investigators across the world with investigative leads and evidence.
A man from Canada was indicted in Atlanta for fentanyl trafficking that has been linked to multiple overdoses in the U.S. In Virginia, a drug trafficker under the name “NeverPressedRX” conspired to bomb and destroy and competitor’s pharmacy, officials said. “With the spike in opioid-related overdose deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognize that today’s announcement is important and timely,” Wray said. Sure, it doesn’t tell you everything; dealing often happens behind the scenes after the connection is made on the marketplace. Dempsey told the students that he will gather as much evidence as he can from text messages and Facebook to convict a drug dealer and bring a family justice.
The darknet operates using encrypted networks, making it difficult for law enforcement to trace activities. Key elements include:
Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) and JCODE have since been compiling intelligence packages to identify key targets. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, more than 60% of all trading on the darknet consists of illegal drug trafficking (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2021). Therefore, traffic trends in darknet markets seem to reflect changes in the importance of certain elements of horizontal trust between vendors and customers. At the same time, the online drug trade does not appear to be going away but is moving from the darknet to more conventional encrypted messaging applications (van der Sanden et al., 2022), building on the vendor-customer relationships that were previously established either online or offline. “This alleged scheme was a brazen attempt to use the dark web to conceal a national drug trafficking operation. Even though this activity originated on the dark web, it can still lead to the same dangerous drug-related violence in our neighborhoods that we see far too often,” said District Attorney Bragg.
The research plan was approved by the Cybersecurity Research Institute of the Eötvös József Research Center at the University of Public Service, Hungary. The survey was conducted in the well-protected LimeSurvey data collection, analysis, and evaluation system. The questionnaire was self-administered by respondents, and each of its questions could be skipped; therefore, the system also recorded partially completed questionnaires. Two hypotheses were formulated regarding ranking the above-presented factors, while an additional hypothesis was formulated about a decision to purchase the same substance online or offline.
- Around November 2022 the Administrator of WayWay started a new thread about the planned launch for a new marketplace called Kraken.
- Italian authorities also shut down two more dark web marketplaces where more than 40,000 advertisements for illegal products had been posted.
- McGrath and Chavez are scheduled to be sentenced next year, when each will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison.
- The U.S. also seized 104 of the illegal guns and over 200,000 pills, including those containing fentanyl.
- The Justice Department says investigators have seized over $31.6 million in cash and virtual currency and 45 guns.
- Tor Network: A popular tool for accessing the dark web that anonymizes users’ IP addresses.
- Cryptocurrencies: Many transactions are done using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which offer a level of anonymity.
- Escrow Services: To build trust, darknet markets often use escrow services that hold funds until the buyer confirms receipt of goods.
Desnica allegedly used at least two cryptocurrency exchange services to launder his illicit proceeds. He then sold the cryptocurrency to Serbia-based peer-to-peer traders in exchange for fiat currency — all in an effort to “clean” his earnings, prosecutors said. The Joint Criminal Opioid Darknet Enforcement group targets illegal drug sales from the underbelly of the internet.
The Drug Trafficking Process
The process of darknet drug trafficking typically involves several steps:
- Registration: Users must create accounts on darknet platforms, often requiring invitations or referrals.
- Browsing: Buyers explore listings, which provide details about various drugs and their prices.
- Purchasing: Once a buyer decides, they complete the transaction using cryptocurrency.
- Shipping: Sellers package and ship the drugs, carefully avoiding detection.
Types of Drugs Commonly Trafficked
The darknet is known for a wide variety of drugs, including:
- Stimulants: Cocaine, methamphetamines, and ecstasy.
- Depressants: Prescription medications such as Xanax and opioids.
- Psychedelics: LSD and psilocybin mushrooms.
- Designer Drugs: Synthetic substances that mimic the effects of traditional drugs.
Risks Involved
Engaging in darknet drug trafficking poses significant risks, including:
- Legal Consequences: Both buyers and sellers can face severe legal penalties if caught.
- Financial Loss: Scams and unreliable vendors are prevalent, leading to potential financial losses.
- Health Risks: The quality of drugs is often unregulated, which can lead to dangerous overdoses.
Law Enforcement Efforts
Authorities worldwide have ramped up efforts to combat darknet drug trafficking by:
- Monitoring Activities: Agencies like the FBI and Europol actively monitor darknet markets.
- Infiltrations: Undercover operations to dismantle drug networks.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating users about the dangers of darknet drug trafficking.
FAQs about Darknet Drug Trafficking
What is the darknet?
The darknet is a part of the internet that is not accessible through standard web browsers. It uses specific software such as Tor to facilitate anonymous communication and transactions.
Is it safe to buy drugs on the darknet?
No, purchasing drugs on the darknet carries significant risks, including legal repercussions and exposure to dangerous substances.
What types of drugs are commonly found on darknet markets?
Common drugs include stimulants, depressants, psychedelics, and designer drugs, often sold with little regulation.
How do law enforcement agencies combat darknet drug trafficking?
Agencies employ monitoring, undercover operations, and community education to reduce illegal activities on darknet markets.
In conclusion, darknet drug trafficking represents a complex interplay of anonymity, technology, and illegal commerce. Understanding its mechanisms, risks, and law enforcement responses is crucial for anyone interested in the subject.
