Dark Web Drugs: The Basics
The FBI also worked with law enforcement agencies across Europe to take down Hive ransomware infrastructure in January. They’re both extremely addictive and they both sort of satisfy the same cravings; but the problem with fentanyl is that it’s just much more likely to make you overdose and die. We’re even seeing cases where ecstasy pills taken by ravers now sometimes have fentanyl. More than 70,000 Americans died from drug overdoses last year, and a growing number of those deaths are attributed to the powerful synthetic opioid 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.
Understanding Darknet Markets
The drug trade has always been a concern for law enforcement agencies worldwide. With the advent of technology, the drug trade has shifted to the darknet markets, where transactions are done anonymously. The dark web drug trade has become a significant concern for law enforcement agencies as it is difficult to detect and track these transactions. However, law enforcement agencies are taking steps to combat this menace.
The term darknet markets refers to online platforms that facilitate the exchange of goods and services, often involving illicit or illegal items. These markets are accessible via specific software, such as Tor, which anonymizes users’ identities and transactions.
Angerer understood that every time you took down a criminal marketplace, another would spring up in its place. DarkMarket had flourished in large part because Wall Street Market had been crushed. I was reminded that, last year, a member of the team that had led the German investigation into Wall Street Market had told me that the war on dark-Web marketplaces was unwinnable. People would continue to have illicit desires; the Internet would find a way to satisfy them. Philippe C. Schicker, who co-authored the study while he was a master’s student in public policy and data analytics at Carnegie Mellon’s Heinz College, said Pharma-Master was just one of many drug-selling operations. These companies are making billions and billions and billions now by selling drugs to treat this opioid crisis that they had a hand in creating.
Underground markets have become important distribution channels for fentanyl and other drugs, helping connect consumers to a vast global supply chain of the deadly prescription drug. While pressure from law enforcement appears to have successfully decreased the availability of fentanyl on surface web “pharmacies” and prompted Hansa to ban the substance shortly before its seizure, fentanyl remains readily available in the DDW. ASAP Market is not the only dark web marketplace to – supposedly inadvertently – facilitate the fentanyl trade. The Investigator graph below shows that some vendors are active on a number of other dark markets, including Incognito, Vice City Market and World Market. This cluster of vendors receives fentanyl from a supplier based in Shanghai, China.
What are Darknet Markets?
- The agents contacted the IRS, which said he had not filed taxes for the time period they were investigating.
- Buyers pay using a cryptocurrency, typically Bitcoin, and the drug is delivered to them through the postal or courier system.
- SpecTor began in late 2021, led by the Department of Justice’s Joint Criminal and Opioid Darknet Enforcement (JCODE) team.
In a recent scan of the site, Dream featured roughly 1,000 listings for drugs that ship within Canada, ranging from opium, morphine and fentanyl to ecstasy, ketamine and date-rape drugs. Liam gets his fix from a site called Dream Market, a one-stop shop for drugs. “There’s no dealer in Calgary that can match the huge selection that’s available on the dark net,” says Liam, whose real name isn’t being disclosed by CBC News because he fears potential criminal and other repercussions if he goes public.
As that case illustrates, along with the massive amount of fentanyl seizures being reported across the U.S., most of the fentanyl that crosses here moves on. It was Cesar Daleo, a former Border Patrol agent living in condo he’d bought in Mexico, authorities said. He placed the package in his trunk, then headed south on Interstate 5 to the border.
Darknet markets operate under a few key features:
In order to test that theory, we compared on-chain flows to our identified addresses to monthly fentanyl-related drug seizures at the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders, using data from the U.S. In her paper, Tzanetakis said that other studies have suggested that most users of dark net markets are men in their early to mid-20s who either work or are studying at the post-secondary level. They’re largely occasional or recreational drug users, though some have potentially problematic addictions, she wrote.
- Onion Routing: They use onion routing to ensure privacy.
- Cryptocurrency Transactions: Transactions are commonly conducted using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
- Vendor Ratings: Users can leave feedback for sellers, promoting trust and accountability.
Fentanyl: A Synthetic Opioid
Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid that has gained notoriety for its role in the opioid crisis. It is often mixed with other drugs, leading to increased risks of overdose and death.
Demand for Fentanyl on the Darknet
The demand for fentanyl has led to its prevalent sale on darknet markets. This is driven by several factors:
- Accessibility: Darknet markets provide easy access to fentanyl without the need for prescriptions.
- Lower Prices: The cost of fentanyl on these markets is often lower than that of prescription opioids.
- Discretion: Buyers can purchase without the stigma often associated with addiction.
What Darknet Markets Sell Fentanyl?
Several prominent darknet markets have been known to sell fentanyl and related opioids. These markets vary in their operating methods, product offerings, and levels of security:
1. Silk Road 3.0
Though it has faced law enforcement action, variations of Silk Road continue to operate. Users have reported finding fentanyl here.
2. AlphaBay
AlphaBay, once taken down by authorities, has seen a resurgence in similar markets. Fentanyl is widely available from numerous vendors.
3. Dream Market
Dream Market was known for its large selection of drugs, including fentanyl, before it ceased operations. However, similar platforms continue to emerge.
Risks of Purchasing Fentanyl on Darknet Markets
While access to fentanyl through darknet markets may seem appealing, there are significant risks involved:
- Legal Repercussions: Purchasing illegal substances can lead to criminal charges.
- Quality Control: Drugs sold on these markets often lack quality assurance, leading to potential overdoses.
- Scams and Fraud: The anonymity of vendors can make it easy to fall victim to scams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is fentanyl legal to sell on darknet markets?
No, fentanyl is classified as a controlled substance in many countries, making its sale illegal.
Can you trust the vendors selling fentanyl on darknet markets?
While some vendors may have positive reviews, the risk of scams and misrepresented products is high.
What should you consider before buying fentanyl online?
Consider the legal implications, health risks, and the reliability of the vendor before making any purchases.
In conclusion, the sale of fentanyl on darknet markets poses significant dangers and ethical questions. Awareness and understanding of these platforms are crucial for anyone considering involvement in such transactions.
