ICE HSI Supports Extensive International Operation Targeting Darknet Opioid Traffickers
Miller then turned to the effects of a policy implemented by the Chinese government in October 2015 that made two of the most popular fentanyl analogues illegal and heightened drug enforcement activity. As a result of these actions, production and front-end distribution of fentanyl—especially the outlawed analogues—slowed considerably. In addition to immediately increasing fentanyl prices by 27%, prices continued to rise over the 90 days following the Chinese intervention. This change in trend was significant but small, and fentanyl remained 34% cheaper in April 2016 than it was in July of 2014.
[3] Keep in mind that our numbers here do not reflect the full scale of crypto-based fentanyl precursor chemical transactions — they only include addresses uncovered through comparison to our original set of four addresses. The true cryptocurrency transaction volume totals for this activity during the time period we studied is likely much higher and encompasses other addresses not identified here. However, data suggest that certain regions are more heavily weighted than others toward fentanyl precursors.
Understanding Darknet Markets and Fentanyl Sales
The drug has been found hidden inside shoes, in a passenger bus, and in numerous cargo parcels at the Tijuana airport. One network allegedly led by Jian Zhang of China sent thousands of packages of fentanyl, pill presses, stamps and dye to U.S. customers since 2013, according to federal prosecutors. It all starts in China, where a booming legitimate chemical industry hides illegal producers, and precursor chemicals and other items such as pill presses have been scarcely regulated, according to a March report by the U.S. Consider what it takes to produce heroin — large plots of secure land to grow opium poppies, a labor force for farming and refining, and several months of time. Poorly blended batches can create fentanyl hotspots, proving fatal for unsuspecting users.
“This raises the question of how they differ from traditional in-person distribution systems; to answer that, we examined how the organization operated, how profitable it was, and what its vulnerabilities were,” Caulkins said. Operation Dark HunTor led to 65 arrests in the United States, one in Bulgaria, three in France, 47 in Germany, four in the Netherlands, 24 in the United Kingdom, four in Italy, and two in Switzerland. Cryptomarkets may define PWUD as consumers and contribute to reshaping their identities around principles of self-directed, informed consumption. On Hansa Market’s messaging forums, some users quickly celebrated the decision. Officials say the cartels cook fentanyl using precursor chemicals imported from China. The Sinaloa is one of two major Mexican cartels that dominate the U.S. fentanyl market.
The proliferation of the internet has led to the emergence of various online marketplaces, some of which are illegal. Among these, darknet markets operate on a hidden part of the internet where anonymity is a priority. One of the most concerning trends in these markets is the sale of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid. This article explores what darknet markets sell fentanyl and the implications for users and society.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Initially developed for pain management, it has gained notoriety due to its association with overdose deaths. Its illicit manufacturing and distribution have significantly increased, making it a common substance found in the darknet.
Types of Fentanyl Sold on Darknet Markets
Darknet markets that sell fentanyl typically offer it in various forms. Some of the common types include:
To me, this is the worst part of the opioid epidemic; is that these major drug manufacturers let the genie loose. They recklessly got us addicted and are now making big money off the aftermath of it all. A new Reddit policy meant its content violated their rules and the subreddit had been removed. But the Dread forum was still up since it’s a forum on the darknet and more posts from mods started showing up there. They said Dream was rebuilding and would be opening again soon as a new dark market. While everyone was waiting for this new Dream Market to appear after Operation SaboTor, the feds got another win, [MUSIC] this time involving big-time vendors on Dream.
When asked about the Bitcoin they found, Gal told them he had taken money out of his bank account and just bought the Bitcoin. [MUSIC] See, all Bitcoin transactions are public record, visible on the block chain for anyone to see. By analyzing the block chain and following transactions and wallets, you can start to build a dossier on who owns what.
- Most listings for fentanyl indicate where the order ships from and where products can be shipped.
- Usually, criminals sell access to exploits and stolen data, but increasingly sites such as 0day.today are releasing more free material, from exploits to data dumps.
- In 2022, the site was focused on getting visitors to BUY exploits, while in 2023 it emphasizes that “Most of the material is completely FREE.” It’s too soon to tell whether this is a short-term marketing tactic or a lasting dark web trend.
- They serve the end point of the global trafficking network, supplementing and sometimes replacing the trafficker to supplier/buyer stage [26] in consumer countries [27] and excluding the global south [28].
- Fentanyl Powder: This raw form is often sold in grams, allowing users to mix it with other substances.
- Fentanyl Pills: These resemble prescription medications and can be particularly dangerous due to their potency and deceptive appearance.
- Fentanyl-Laced Substances: Many dealers mix fentanyl with other drugs like heroin or cocaine, significantly increasing the risk of overdose.
Popular Darknet Markets for Fentanyl
Several darknet markets are known for facilitating the sale of fentanyl. While the landscape is constantly evolving, some notable ones include:
- Silk Road (historically): The original and arguably most well-known darknet market.
- AlphaBay: A large marketplace that was taken down but had extensive listings of fentanyl.
- Dream Market: Known for its wide variety of illicit goods, including fentanyl.
Why is Fentanyl Popular on the Darknet?
The presence of fentanyl on darknet markets can be attributed to several factors:
- High Demand: The opioid crisis has increased the demand for potent opioids.
- Low Cost: Compared to traditional opioids, fentanyl is often cheaper for users.
- Anonymity: Buyers can purchase without the stigma associated with addiction or drug use.
- Accessibility: Darknet markets provide easy access to a variety of drugs, including fentanyl.
Risks Associated with Purchasing Fentanyl on Darknet Markets
Acquiring fentanyl from darknet markets poses severe risks, including:
- Inconsistent Potency: Illicitly manufactured fentanyl can vary in potency, leading to unintentional overdoses.
- Legal Consequences: Purchasing illegal substances can result in significant legal repercussions.
- Health Risks: The potential for addiction and overdose is extremely high.
- Scams and Fraud: Buyers may not receive the product as promised, losing money while facing additional risks.
FAQs About Darknet Markets and Fentanyl
1. What makes fentanyl more dangerous than other opioids?
Fentanyl is much more potent than many other opioids, leading to a higher risk of overdose, especially when mixed with other drugs.
2. How do people access darknet markets?
Users typically access darknet markets through specific software, most commonly Tor, which anonymizes their internet activity.
3. Are darknet markets illegal?
Yes, darknet markets that facilitate the sale of illegal drugs are against the law in most jurisdictions.
4. Can fentanyl be prescribed?
Yes, fentanyl can be legally prescribed, typically for severe pain management, but misuse and illegal sales are prevalent.
In summary, the sale of fentanyl on darknet markets poses significant dangers to users and presents challenges for law enforcement. Understanding the landscape of these markets and the risks involved is crucial in addressing the ongoing opioid crisis.
