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Selling fentanyl as heroin is typical, and some dark-web markets’ rules against openly selling fentanyl make this more likely. Unlike many people who buy drugs on the dark web for similar reasons, I buy from my vendor on the regular internet, through encrypted apps. This cuts out the dark-web market “middle man” taking a percentage from both myself and the seller. I thought it might be worth explaining, for the benefit of people who use drugs and are either unable to access the dark web or want to avoid the extra costs. She said parents’ and physicians’ ignorance of the Dark Web makes it easier for young people to participate in the online drug marketplace.
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the internet that requires special software to access, allowing users to operate anonymously. It is often associated with illegal activities, including the sale of drugs.
Fernando Caudevilla, a physician based in Madrid who is better known as DoctorX, dishes out free drug-related advice on dark-web forums. Drug-users do not come into hospitals, he says, so health workers need to go and find them. He has responded to about a thousand queries in the past few years, from “Can I take MDMA if I have diabetes?
- The researchers say their figures are economically significant and serve as initial evidence in support of the effectiveness of selectively targeting large-scale drug vendors to dampen darknet activities.
- Payment technology and mobile could also evolve in ways we can’t predict.
- This little-known parallel internet is a natural home for an uncensored drugs marketplace, as it is for whistleblower websites and political dissidents who also rely on its powers of obfuscation.
- Silk Road was one such marketplace dedicated to creating a place in which buyers and sellers could operate independently and anonymously.
- But that doesn’t mean it’s suspicious — there are plenty of sites you visit in your day-to-day browsing that fall into this category.
As you can see from the Global Drug Survey 2017, Finland easily has the most dark web users purchasing drugs, with nearly half of their respondents insisting they’ve done it before. My sources agree that unwanted fentanyl is found in lower levels in drugs bought online compared with street drugs. While the purity of coke and heroin that she bought varied somewhat, it was much easier to avoid fentanyl.
Another reason why getting drugs on the dark web is more difficult, or less appealing to the buyer, is having to wait for the product to come in the mail. Although some users may have to wait a couple hours for their normal dealer to answer the phone, or show up at the meeting spot, waiting for drugs purchased on the dark web could take weeks, that is, if they ever come. This could be a major problem for someone looking to get a quick fix, while avoiding withdrawal symptoms. Would-be purchasers access the dark web via an encrypted subset of the internet, where thousands of drug-supply shops vie for business. “It’s one of the real strengths of the system, because it enables trust in the purchase of illegal products.” Chris, whose real name cannot be used for legal reasons, was the kingpin of an international syndicate that sold hundreds of kilograms of drugs via the postal service.
How to Access the Dark Web
If you are considering exploring the dark web, you must take precautions to ensure your safety and anonymity.
- Download Tor Browser: This specialized browser allows you to access .onion sites, which are used on the dark web.
- Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network adds an extra layer of security by masking your IP address.
- Enable Security Settings: Adjust the settings in your Tor browser to enhance security and privacy.
When governmental drug policy is restrictive, black markets will organically expand to meet a demand, unfortunately creating opportunities for unregulated manufacture and distribution. AlphaBay, which was the largest dark net market before it was shut down by law enforcement agencies around the world last year, accounted for $94 million US in drug sales from September 2015 to August 2016, Tzanetakis’s paper says. “There’s a shift from the old way of the drug trade to more of a modern, technological and digital era of selling drugs.” Regulated cryptocurrency exchanges — generally those in the US or Europe— can also be of service here.
The DEA agents on Engstrom’s trail, meanwhile, used toll records to determine when Engstrom visited BitLiquid on his phone, and monitored the BitLiquid wallet for activity in those time frames. One transaction that lined up—an exchange of $37,000 in Paxos Standard for $36,900 in cash—automatically triggered a Currency Transaction report, or CTR, because it was over $10,000. That CTR allowed investigators to trace Engstrom’s deposits to his personal crypto wallets totaling $3 million—money that investigators believe come from dark web cocaine sales. The vendors’ role in production may be what drives the relatively high margins on these drugs. It would also explain why, according to the Global Drug Survey and Christin’s research, they are the largest share of the dark-web market. The nature of these particular drugs and their relatively tech-savvy customer base could mean their sales move from being mainly street-based to being mainly online.
Using a fake name can be a good move to reduce the risk of criminalization, and that’s often easy in Canada, where many people have their own postal box. I’m not trying to scare anyone, but you should all know where you’re going before you get there. Ms Aldridge points to “doxxing”—the release of personal details online—as one.
Navigating Dark Web Marketplaces
Once you have access to the dark web, you can start exploring various marketplaces where drugs are sold.
- Research Marketplaces: Some popular marketplaces include Silk Road, AlphaBay, and Dream Market. Each has its own reputation and product range.
- Create an Account: Most marketplaces require registration. Use a secure email address that doesn’t reveal your identity.
- Browse Listings: Once registered, browse through the available listings, paying attention to seller ratings and reviews.
Making a Purchase
When purchasing drugs from the dark web, follow these steps to ensure a smooth transaction.
- Select Your Product: Choose the drug you wish to buy and review the details provided by the seller.
- Review Seller Feedback: Look for sellers with high ratings and positive feedback from previous buyers.
- Choose Payment Methods: Many marketplaces use cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin for transactions. Familiarize yourself with how to use them.
- Communicate with Sellers: Don’t hesitate to ask questions regarding the product or shipping before making a purchase.
- Complete the Transaction: Follow the instructions to finalize your order, ensuring you maintain your anonymity.
Shipping and Safety Measures
After making a purchase, consider the following safety tips:
- Use Discreet Shipping Options: Opt for stealth shipping to protect your address and identity.
- Track Your Package: Use tracking services if available to monitor the delivery.
- Be Prepared for Legal Ramifications: Understand the risks involved in buying drugs from the dark web, including potential legal consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to buy drugs from the dark web?
No, purchasing drugs from the dark web is illegal in most countries and can lead to severe legal consequences.
What are the risks of buying drugs from the dark web?
Risks include legal issues, exposure to dangerous substances, and potential scams from fraudulent sellers.
Can I trust sellers on the dark web?
While some sellers have good reputations, many are fraudulent. Always check seller reviews and feedback before purchasing.
What should I do if my package is intercepted?
If you believe your package is intercepted, cease any further purchases and consider consulting a legal professional.
