Olivia PrentzelGeneral Assignment Reporter
Understanding the Risks and Rewards
Even the police rely on reporting from the public, encouraging people to contact their local force or the cybercrime unit if they see suspicious behaviour on the internet. Critics say Snap, the maker of Snapchat, needs to do more to stop on-line drug dealers. The company told NPR it’s improving safety measures and working with law enforcement. Drug dealers have found subtle ways to sell drugs using drug emojis through social media apps such as Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok. With the click of a button, kids are able to order illegal drugs online, and a package will be delivered by a mail carrier right to their front door.
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. Just like e-commerce has changed the way we do business, so the internet has dramatically impacted the landscape of drug dealing in the twenty-first century. While moderating the meth-using communities may seem like a predictable next step for tech companies, not everyone agrees on how to approach the situation. Despite Meta’s actions, groups and pages advertising meth sale and use were still easily found on Facebook via search.
He was arrested for possession after trying to wait out his high before driving home. He also said he’s fallen because of dehydration during binges numerous times, once necessitating a trip to the emergency room and stitches to his head. With little knowledge available about meth at the time and few resources available, Robert, who asked that NBC News conceal his last name to protect his privacy, became an “on and off” user, which he defines as five to six times per year. After meeting a man on Craigslist, he snorted a line of powder that he thought was cocaine. But instead of spending time with his loved ones, he said he stayed in his room and injected methamphetamine.
Ultimately, however, the surest and simplest way to buy safe, quality drugs is to shop at your local pharmacy. The FDA recently warned consumers of a scam by criminals who had obtained the records of hundreds of people who since 2008 had made purchases of drugs online or over the phone. The perpetrators were making phone calls pretending to be FDA agents, threatening prosecution and seeking bribes. However, even some brick-and-mortar pharmacies break federal, state and local regulations. For example, a compounding pharmacy, a type of pharmacy specializing in individually tailored medicine, recently made headlines for manufacturing and distributing contaminated steroid injections that had not been approved by the FDA.
In the digital age, how to find drugs online has become a common inquiry. While the internet offers access to various substances, it’s essential to consider the implications of such actions.
Thus, the anonymity of online drug dealing and use of postal deliveries may reduce risks of detection (see Barratt & Aldridge, 2020; Dietze & Peacock, 2020). Limiting face-to-face contact would also reduce the risks of contracting the virus. Thus, online drug purchases would likely appeal to those wanting to avoid potential legal and health consequences. Life as we knew it was dramatically altered when the first cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were reported in December 2019.
Finally, participants were asked a series of questions that reflect concepts from various criminological theories. In this paper we utilized questions about general strain theory that were derived from Hinduja and Patchin (2007). Most evidence suggests illegal drug use decreased when the pandemic first upended social life.
Many people seek drugs online for several reasons:
- Prescription drug shortages
- Cost-effective alternatives
- Convenience of delivery
- Privacy concerns
Legitimate vs. Illegitimate Sources
Understanding the difference between legitimate and illegitimate sources is crucial when exploring how to find drugs online.
Legitimate Sources
You can find legitimate medications through:
- Licensed online pharmacies
- Telemedicine services
- Pharmacy chains with online platforms
Illegitimate Sources
Illegitimate sources may include:
- Illegal drug marketplaces on the dark web
- Unregulated websites offering unknown substances
- Social media platforms facilitating drug trade
- For example, if a website selling prescription drugs does not require a prescription, that is a sure sign that it is acting illegally.
- Secondly, payment in the form of Bitcoin indicates the caution used by vendors.
- Silk Road launched in 2011, and although it was shut down by the Federal Bureau of Investigations by 2013, it took less than a month for its successor, Silk Road 2.0, to launch.
- In fact, a Utah police officer said he uses social media in 90% of his busts.
- Some illegal online pharmacies pretend to be based in Canada to give the illusion of more stringent regulations and safer drugs, but they may be based in countries without the regulatory safeguards found in the US and Canada.
Steps to Safely Navigate Online Access
If you need to explore how to find drugs online, follow these steps to do so safely:
- Conduct Thorough Research: Before making any purchases, research the drug and its effects.
- Verify Pharmacy Credentials: Check if the online pharmacy is licensed and requires a prescription.
- Read Reviews: Look for customer feedback regarding the pharmacy’s legitimacy.
- Check for Contact Information: A legitimate pharmacy should provide clear contact details.
- Beware of Unrealistic Prices: If the prices are too good to be true, it often indicates a scam.
Risks of Buying Drugs Online
While convenience is appealing, the following risks must be acknowledged:
- Purchasing counterfeit drugs
- Legal implications of buying controlled substances
- Exposure to harmful chemicals
- Privacy concerns and potential scams
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to buy drugs online?
Purchasing drugs online is legal if done through licensed pharmacies that comply with local laws.
How can I ensure the online pharmacy is legitimate?
Check for licensing, certifications, and reviews from other customers.
What should I do if I receive counterfeit drugs?
Report the pharmacy to regulatory authorities and seek advice from a healthcare provider.
Can I get prescriptions online?
Yes, many telemedicine services allow patients to consult with doctors and receive prescriptions legally.
In conclusion, understanding how to find drugs online requires caution and diligence to ensure safety and legality. Always prioritize your health and well-being by choosing reputable sources.
