What Can You Buy On The Black Market?
The Most Expensive Drug in the Black Market
The world of illicit substances is fraught with danger, deception, and exorbitant prices. One of the most intriguing aspects of this hidden economy is the emergence of drugs that command astronomical prices. Among these, the most expensive drug in the black market often garners the most attention due to its rarity, potency, and the extreme risk involved in its trade.
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Cultural Context
Brand-name specialty drugs dominate the list of the most expensive drugs in the United States. In the 1990s, a new transdermal skin patch for fentanyl was developed to treat chronic pain. The non-surgical delivery mechanism offered some unique advantages over other drugs, including quick onset of action, relatively few cardiovascular risks, and low histamine release. These attributes made it a good prescription choice for some patients, because it reduced some of the risks of medical complications that other pain relievers have. In the height of the opioid epidemic, a kilogram of heroin could be purchased for approximately $6,000 and sold for appropriately $80,000. For the same purchase price, a kilogram of illegally imported fentanyl could be sold for approximately $1.6 million, then cut into heroin and other drugs to expand their volume.
Understanding the most expensive drug in the black market requires considering cultural perceptions of drug use, addiction, and the lengths individuals will go to secure access to these substances. Societal factors, such as poverty, healthcare inadequacies, and the allure of wealth and status, shape the dynamics of drug trafficking.
The companies are responding to the bids — while filing nine lawsuits that aim to kill the negotiations altogether, arguing that limiting their profits will strangle the pipeline of lifesaving drugs. A federal court in Texas dismissed one of the suits on Feb. 12, without taking up the substantive legal issue over constitutionality. According to data from the International Diabetes Federation, it affects one in seven adults in Spain. The concomitant health expenditure exceeds €13.43 billion ($14.57 billion).
Going into 2020, the recreational use of marijuana will be legal in 11 states. This trend began with moves by Colorado and Washington to legalize in 2012. When Gallup first measured attitudes about marijuana, only 12% of the population favored legalization.
- The “War On Drugs” that started in the 1980’s and continues today is supposed to curtail the supply of drugs, flowing into this country, deter illegal drug usage, and stamp out drug-related crime.
- If the biosimilar market once again falls short of its promise, economist Wosińska said she foresees a larger reckoning.
- Front-line workers say methamphetamine pills are now being sold for as little as $0.25 each as traffickers flood the country with unprecedented amounts of drugs.
- “[10] Because the medicine black-mark is illegal, passing information by word of mouth becomes the only useful way to let more people know about the medicine.
Patients lacking any financial incentive to switch makes competing that much harder for biosimilars, which are vying in many cases for patients who have relied on Humira for years — and their doctors. In a survey of physicians conducted by the research group NORC at the University of Chicago, only 31% said they were very likely to switch a patient doing well on any biologic over to a biosimilar version. The complex drug purchasing system in the U.S. — rife with confidential rebates and convoluted fees — creates perverse financial incentives.
The Price Tag
Estimates on the price of black market drugs vary widely, but some can reach staggering amounts. Here are a few contenders for the title of most expensive drug in the black market:
- Carfentanil – Used as an elephant tranquilizer, this powerful opioid can be worth up to $50,000 per kilogram.
- Gold in a Pill – Some concoctions involve ultra-fine gold powder, fetching prices over $150,000 due to their perceived health benefits.
- Komodo Dragon – This synthetic drug, known for its extreme potency, can sell for about $500,000 per kilogram.
Factors Influencing Price
The pricing of drugs in the black market is influenced by multiple factors:
Humira, the injectable biologic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, now faces its first competition from one of several copycat “biosimilar” drugs expected to come to market this year. Pharmacies offer other targets for cyber criminals as well, including employee data and financial assets. Ransomware programs can be introduced into any computer system, often by opening an infected email attachment. Ransomware is widely available online and is often employed by groups with a global reach. Drug trafficking is widely regarded by lawmakers as a serious offense around the world.
- Rarity – Limited availability increases demand and price.
- Risk – Higher risks associated with trafficking can inflate prices.
- Purity – Higher purity levels often command higher prices.
- Market Dynamics – Fluctuations in supply and demand directly impact pricing.
Health Risks and Consequences
Beyond the financial implications, the illicit drug trade brings significant health risks:
- Overdose potential due to unknown potency and purity.
- Addiction that can severely impact personal health and well-being.
- Legal consequences, including incarceration and substantial fines.
FAQs about the Most Expensive Drug in the Black Market
Q: What is the most expensive drug currently known?
A: While prices fluctuate, some reports indicate that synthetic substances like Komodo Dragon have reached over $500,000 per kilogram.
Q: Why are these drugs so expensive?
A: Factors such as rarity, risk involved in the trade, purity, and demand all contribute to the high prices.
Q: What are the legal repercussions for trafficking these drugs?
A: Trafficking can lead to severe legal penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and significant fines.
Conclusion
The ongoing presence of the most expensive drug in the black market serves as a stark reminder of the complex interplay between human behavior, societal issues, and the risks associated with illicit substances. As the landscape of drug trafficking continues to evolve, so too will the prices and types of drugs that capture the fascination of both users and law enforcement alike.
