Activities
Understanding the Cost of Drugs on the Dark Web
Some researchers who study the dark web have found the quality of drugs available on these hidden websites is superior to that of drugs sold on the street. One theory of why that might be is that the online review system holds dealers accountable, says Rasmus Munksgaard, a Montreal researcher. The teenager had been using research chemicals — substances that often mimic the effects of illicit drugs but are not federally controlled — but he was looking for a broader variety than what he was getting from vendors on the internet. He was also worried that he was taking chemicals that weren’t well researched, with unknown side effects.
A new report surveyed the 12 largest marketplaces on the Dark Web and found thousands of offerings for opioid painkillers and psychedelic drugs. The transactions happen in the shadows of the internet, often between people using profile names rather than their real names, making it hard for law enforcement to identify them. Many of those involved on both sides of the transaction are in their 20s and 30s, authorities said. That person, Anthony Scott Boeckholt, 42, of Forest City, Iowa, was sentenced to 10 years in prison last year for selling drugs over the internet.
While these users might be deterred from purchasing drugs, the effectiveness of influencing the risk perception of actual darknet market customers who may be addicted drug users is questionable. Furthermore, deterring drug users from the darknet could lead to them buying drugs on the streets, which could be more dangerous from a health perspective. Drugs on the darknet have a better reputation regarding cleanliness (Bancroft, 2017; Munksgaard et al., 2022), and some form of harm reduction also derives from the communities formed around darknet markets (Aldridge et al., 2018; Szigeti et al., 2023). Policy recommendations tailored to actual darknet market users should therefore be developed based on further research implemented in the communities of darknet markets. Interventions should then be integrated into a comprehensive drug policy framework that includes other elements, such as targeted harm reduction and treatment.
The dark web has become a notorious marketplace for illicit activities, including the sale of various drugs. One common question that arises is, how much are drugs on the dark web? The prices can vary widely based on several factors, including the type of drug, quality, seller reputation, and currency used.
“Technology is evolving but so is our office and I am grateful to the talented prosecutors, investigators and analysts who are diligently working on and bringing their leading expertise to this complex case. No matter where illegal drug trafficking and selling originates, we will use every tool at our disposal to dismantle these operations and keep our streets safe.” According to court documents and statements made on the record, FireBunny operated from January 2019 to August 2022. It operated on multiple dark web marketplaces and described itself as an “old vendor with the best in QUALITY SPEED OF DELIVERY and STEALTH.” WU originally based operations in Flushing, Queens, where more than 10,000 packages were shipped. Investigators made 11 purchases from FireBunny, including for cocaine, MDMA and Ketamine, which were shipped to Manhattan. To the best of our knowledge, a comprehensive overview of the opioid supply chain in the anonymous online marketplaces and forums, as well as a measurement study of trading activities, is still an open research challenge.
Factors Influencing Drug Prices
Vendors and buyers on dark web marketplaces typically operated under anonymous monikers. However, vendors received ratings from buyers of narcotics based on, among other things, the quality of contraband, reliability of delivery and volume of traffic. In addition, vendors received rankings from the marketplace administrators based on user input. We excluded any sale that was more than a week old when the scrape took place.
“I certainly have tested other people’s drugs that are impure”, though, he says. To find other drugs, Doe says that the search process can be more of a “gamble”. More than 72,000 Americans died from overdoses in 2017, up from 20,000 in 2001, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Evidence of dark web activity has been used by two suspects to conceal their identities in the hope of avoiding serious charges, including the planning of extremist violence and large-scale social disorder (DPP v. Noori, 2019; Kennedy v. R, 2018). In addition, Bitcoin has been used to purchase credit card details to commit frauds (Re Abaker, 2018). A further case involves a drug conviction from dark web activity that has affected a person’s ability to practice as a registered nurse (Health Care Complaints Commission v. Holbrook, 2019). Our argument demonstrates how the policing of low- and mid-level drug trafficking that uses the dark web to facilitate distribution is reliant on many physical attempts to control and eliminate illegal drug markets. These developments generate two mutually reinforcing tiers of drug law enforcement that mirror and build on the conventional distinction between trafficking and use. At the higher end, law enforcement uses sophisticated and highly technical forms of surveillance to target the managers and administrators of dark web cryptomarkets.
When exploring how much are drugs on the dark web, it’s essential to consider these key factors:
- Type of Drug: Prices fluctuate based on the drug’s popularity and availability.
- Quality: High-quality substances typically command higher prices.
- Seller Reputation: Trusted sellers often charge more due to their reliability.
- Location: Zip codes and regions may affect shipping costs and delivery time.
- Payment Method: Cryptocurrency can influence both the price and perceived anonymity.
Average Prices for Common Drugs
While prices can greatly differ, here are some average prices observed for common drugs sold on the dark web:
- Cocaine: $60 to $100 per gram
- MDMA: $20 to $30 per pill
- Heroin: $100 to $200 per gram
- Marijuana: $10 to $25 per gram
- LSD: $5 to $15 per tab
Risks and Consequences
Engaging in the purchase of drugs on the dark web poses significant risks:
- Legal Risks: Purchasing illicit substances can lead to severe legal repercussions.
- Health Risks: The quality and safety of drugs are often unregulated, leading to potential health hazards.
- Financial Risks: Fraudulent sellers can lead to financial loss and scams.
FAQs
1. Can you find cheaper drugs on the dark web compared to street prices?
While some drugs may be cheaper, others can be more expensive due to added shipping costs and drug quality.
2. Is buying drugs on the dark web safe?
Purchasing drugs carries significant risks, including legal issues, the potential for scams, and health hazards.
3. Do prices fluctuate regularly?
Yes, prices can fluctuate based on supply and demand, currency values, and market trends.
4. What currencies are typically accepted?
- Earlier this year, a study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found illegal websites have sales that average $300,000 to $500,000 a day.
- They collectively withdrew more than $1 million from ATMs in Manhattan and New Jersey.
- This poses even more danger, as you’ll never know who you’re actually talking to or buying from.
- For anyone addicted to drugs, waiting for supplies to arrive in the post – if they are not intercepted en route – can be challenging when there is a delay.
- But the competition from an international market drives online prices below those on the street.
Cryptocurrencies, especially Bitcoin, are commonly used for transactions on the dark web.
5. How can I ensure the quality of drugs purchased online?
Check seller reviews and ratings, but remember that there are no guarantees when dealing with illicit substances.
In conclusion, understanding how much are drugs on the dark web involves careful consideration of various factors. The risks associated with purchasing these substances often outweigh any perceived benefits. Seeking help or alternative solutions could be a safer approach to dealing with drug-related issues.
