Buying Options
We’ll look now at what you need to do in order to buy drugs on the dark web. While it’s hard to get a firm grasp on the scope of the deep web, most estimates hover around 5% of all internet activity being dark. So, the upper two layers of the internet might not all be entirely visible, but the content is not inflammatory. The Dutch national police’s Cyber Enabled Crime Team was involved in the operation, codenamed SpecTor.
Understanding the Dark Web Drugs Ecosystem
- Just last month, Polish police took down the prolific Lolek bulletproof hosting service.
- These drug markets are clandestine dispensaries of illicit and dangerous substances that are sold in exchange for cryptocurrencies, such as bitcoin.
- The big fish were awarded scores of 4.9 on average, compared with 4.7 for the minnows.
- As Monaco noted Tuesday, the dark web drug racket was already a billion-dollar industry before the pandemic drove it to new heights.
The dark web is often portrayed as a shadowy realm where illicit activities thrive. Among the diverse range of illegal goods and services available, dark web drugs have garnered significant attention. This article delves into the operations of the dark web drug trade, its implications, and the risks involved.
Silk Road operated via a hidden darknet feature in the anonymous Tor network. Accessed with an app, the Tor network allowed users to anonymously browse Silk Road without the threat of traffic monitoring. All transactions were conducted in cryptocurrency — namely Bitcoin — which further ensured anonymity.
Sellers are competing on price and quality, and seeking to build reputable brands. Turnover has risen from an estimated $15m-17m in 2012 to $150m-180m in 2015. And the share of American drug-takers who have got high with the help of a website jumped from 8% in 2014 to 15% this year, according to the Global Drug Survey, an online study.
What Are Dark Web Drugs?
Dark web drugs refer to any illegal narcotics that are bought and sold through hidden websites not indexed by traditional search engines. These drugs can range from recreational substances to more dangerous pharmaceuticals. Common types of drugs available on the dark web include:
In May 2019, law enforcement agents seized nearly 2 kilograms of heroin, more than 2 kilograms of cocaine, and nearly 24 kilograms of methamphetamine from Alva’s residence. Agents also seized a Remington shotgun and a Smith & Wesson assault rifle, which Alva admitted that he possessed to further his dark web drug trafficking operation. Ian Hoffmann, 44, of Bell Canyon, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. Hoffmann was a prolific dark web drug trafficker, completing more than 2,000 drug sales in a six-month period between October 2018 and April 2019 alone. Hoffmann accepted cryptocurrency in exchange for his narcotics and sent the drugs he sold using the U.S. In addition to drugs, which include prescription pharmaceuticals as well as illegal drugs, darknet markets offer a wide range of products and services.
The sites have names like Evolution, Agora and Nucleus, where criminals can buy and sell all manner of illegal goods and services. The sites can attract hundreds of thousands of users, and pull in millions in monthly sales. The dark web is internet content that exists on overlay networks that use the internet but require specific software, configurations or authorizations to be accessed. The dark web forms a small part of the deep web, the part of the Web not indexed by search engines (although sometimes the term deep web is mistakenly used to refer specifically to the dark web). Market URLs change rapidly nowadays on the dark web, to escape malicious hacking by blackmailers. This exposes users to risk as it is simple to copy a site’s code, host a fake version of it, circulate URLs online and steal users’ passwords to the official sites – and then steal their bitcoins.
Many dark websites are set up by scammers, who constantly move around to avoid the wrath of their victims. Even commerce sites that may have existed for a year or more can suddenly disappear if the owners decide to cash in and flee with the escrow money they’re holding on behalf of customers. “Our coalition of law enforcement authorities across three continents proves that we all do better when we work together,” said Executive Director Catherine De Bolle of Europol. Within this context, the success of Operation SpecTor shows that increased cooperation between international authorities is proving effective in targeting dark web criminals. Unlike Deep Web sites, websites on the dark web use additional encryption software that makes the location and identity of their users anonymous. The Washington-based Wilson Center has warned over the presence of thousands of extremist groups’ websites on the darknet, including neo-Nazis, and white supremacists.
That’s certainly one strategy for dark web monitoring, but it can be inefficient, time-consuming, and lacks coverage for other marketplaces. Furthermore, other value-driven security tasks are likely to suffer when teams have to manually browse these marketplaces and hunt for threats or signs of your digital footprint. It’s important to point out however that as long as the dark web provides an outlet for anonymously trading in illicit goods, malware, and stolen data, dark web marketplaces will continue to emerge and flourish. The emergence of Telegram as a new dark web frontier also partly explains the revenue reductions in traditional dark web marketplaces. Threat actors and aspiring cybercriminals have been flocking to Telegram channels and groups hoping to benefit from even better anonymity and default end-to-end encryption. With more intense pressure from law enforcement, being extorted by other threat actors, and changes in personal circumstances, it’s clear that many dark web market admins and owners feel the risks are too great.
- Cannabis: Various strains, edibles, and oils.
- Cocaine: A powerful stimulant available in different purities.
- MDMA: Often sold as ecstasy or molly.
- Heroin: Typically more potent and mixed with various adulterants.
- Prescription medications: Such as opioids and stimulants, often obtained illegally.
How Do Transactions Work?
The process of buying dark web drugs involves several steps to ensure privacy and security:
- Accessing the Dark Web: Users typically require special software, such as Tor, to access hidden services.
- Choosing a Marketplace: Various platforms host listings for drugs, complete with user reviews and ratings.
- Creating a Wallet: Cryptocurrency, primarily Bitcoin, is the preferred method of payment to maintain anonymity.
- Placing an Order: After selecting a product, buyers contact the seller and finalize their transaction.
- Delivery: Sellers ship the drugs through various methods to avoid detection, often using fake names and addresses.
Risks and Implications
Engaging in the dark web drug trade poses numerous risks:
- Legal Consequences: Purchasing illegal substances can result in severe legal penalties, including imprisonment.
- Health Risks: Many drugs sold on the dark web can be contaminated or mislabeled, posing significant health hazards.
- Scams and Fraud: Buyers may encounter scams, leading to lost money without receiving any product.
- Cybersecurity Threats: Navigating the dark web can expose users to malware or hacking attempts.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dark Web Drugs
Q1: Is it legal to buy drugs on the dark web?
No, purchasing drugs on the dark web is illegal and can result in serious criminal charges.
Q2: Can law enforcement track dark web drug purchases?
While the dark web provides a degree of anonymity, law enforcement agencies have developed sophisticated techniques to monitor and apprehend individuals involved in illegal activities.
Q3: What should I do if I suspect someone is buying drugs on the dark web?
Report any suspicious activity to local authorities or law enforcement agencies to ensure community safety.
Conclusion
The dark web drugs market signifies a complex intersection of technology, legality, and health. Understanding its dynamics is crucial for anyone seeking to comprehend the implications of illegal drug trade in our digital age. Engaging in such activities not only carries substantial risks but also contributes to a broader cycle of crime and addiction.
