Understanding the Dark Web
On Sept. 29, 2021, Le pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly known as ecstasy, Ketamine and Alprazolam (Xanax). We are grateful to Katalin Feher Ph.D. (National University of Public Service, Budapest, Hungary) for her mentorship during the publication preparation process. Finally, despite its large size, the sample only allowed us to perform non-parametric tests due to the lack of normal distribution. The re-evaluation of the indicators applied in the questionnaire, taking statistical aspects into account, could help create a database suitable for running more robust parametric tests and developing models. The findings, criminal policy recommendations, and criminological research remarks presented above are summarized in Table Table66. Using software originally known as The Onion Router (think layers and layers of encryption), Tor secures traffic by routing it through a network of secure relays that anonymize traffic.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software to access, most notably the Tor browser. Within this hidden layer, users can communicate anonymously, making it appealing for various activities, including illegal ones.
Link lists like The Hidden Wiki are another option, but even indices also return a frustrating number of timed-out connections and 404 errors. All this activity, this vision of a bustling marketplace, might make you think that navigating the dark web is easy. The place is as messy and chaotic as you would expect when everyone is anonymous, and a substantial minority are out to scam others. Yet for all their efforts much of the illegal activity on the dark web remains beyond the reach of the police, and to some supporters of the dark web, its anonymity is its virtue. It allows users like David, and those who sell him drugs, to remain anonymous. Users often do not know the real identity of the fellow users they are dealing with, and it is very difficult – although not impossible – for authorities to track them.
On offer is everything from drugs, counterfeit money, stolen credit card details and other personal data to hitmen services (or, rather, hitman scams). Notably, some sellers are also offering fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination passes, certificates to enable travel, and vaccine cards, each for some amount. Hydra, a giant Russian-language darkweb marketplace that used cryptocurrencies for the sale and purchase of drugs, is also said to have used Binance to process more than $780 million. Separately, crypto researcher Chainalysis, hired by U.S. government agencies to track illegal flows, concluded in a 2020 report that Binance received criminal funds totaling $770 million alone, more than any other crypto exchange.
Risks of Buying Drugs on the Dark Web
Purchasing drugs on the dark web carries significant risks, including:
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“The courts haven’t seen much of it here in Canada. They’re fairly new kinds of investigations that police are just sort of understanding,” Lalande says. But the dark web also offers drug traffickers cover from police surveillance. The Public Health Agency of Canada predicts the number of opioid-related overdose deaths for 2017 will surpass 4,000 once the figures are available from all provinces and territories.
Some people really are better off using drugs (especially if their use helps them cope with serious trauma—and it often does). Without dope, I’m too hopelessly depressed to work, study or even eat regularly. “I hate to imagine where I’d be without it,” said Marie of her use during a traumatic period of her life. Being able to order drugs for self-medication so easily and discreetly, Marie continued, also kept misguided friends from trying to force her to quit. Contrary to popular belief, making a loved one become abstinent (even if you can) won’t cure the underlying issues that may have led them to use in the first place. For people who use opioids, it also increases their risk of overdose when they resume use with lower tolerance.
Although it used to be a little tricky to set up, Tor now looks and feels like any other web browser. True, it’s a little slower because of how it cloaks your identity (which entails bouncing your URL request around the world via several other “nodes” that use the same software) but that’s a price many are willing to pay for online anonymity. 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. Among the features to be added are profile pages for vendors, to include contact info for the vendor in case a market goes down, and customer reviews of the vendors across multiple markets where they peddle their wares. “I don’t have the capabilities yet to spider all of the darknet, so for now [I’m] working on making an automated site submitter for people to submit their sites and get listed in our search engine,” he said.
“We both sell merchandise and crowdsource funds and right now our budget is about $35,000 per year in funding,” said Nyx,who is also responsible for ordering the drugs from the dark web. A self-described multidisciplinary artist and musician, Nyx has a long history with drug use. The 31 year old has not only used substances, but worked for years on the front lines of the deadly crisis in varying advocacy roles. Kalicum, who is 26 years old and working on his masters degree in public health, describes that supply as being “accessible, reliable and safe” when it comes to potency.
- Legal Consequences: Buying illicit substances can lead to severe legal penalties.
- Scams: Many sellers are fraudulent, taking your money without delivering any products.
- Health Risks: Quality control is non-existent, and the substances may be dangerous or contaminated.
- Security Vulnerabilities: Sharing personal information can expose you to identity theft or law enforcement actions.
How to Navigate the Dark Web Safely
If one decides to proceed, understanding how to navigate safely is essential. Here are some tips:
- On the good side, the dark web provides anonymous, highly secure communication channels to shield classified government activity and protect reform agents such as human rights activists and journalists opposed by oppressive foreign regimes.
- For people looking to get a quick fix for their withdrawal symptoms, this isn’t the answer.
- The structure and manageability of the website (Al-Dwairi, 2013) and the performance and stability of the market interface (Karimov & Brengman, 2014) both affect the purchasing process on surface web markets.
- Use a Secure Connection: Always use a VPN to hide your IP address before accessing the dark web.
- Download the Tor Browser: This browser allows you to access .onion sites that are exclusive to the dark web.
- Join Forums: Engage in discussions to learn from experienced users but remain cautious about sharing personal information.
- Create a Secure Email: Use an anonymous email account for registration on marketplaces.
- Use Cryptocurrency: Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin offer some anonymity when completing transactions.
Steps to Buy Drugs on the Dark Web
Follow this general guide if you choose to buy drugs on the dark web:
- Research Markets: Look for reputable marketplaces. Some well-known options include Dream Market, AlphaBay, and others.
- Create an Account: Register using your secure email and follow the instructions for verifying your account.
- Browse Listings: Investigate products thoroughly, checking seller ratings and reviews.
- Add to Cart: Select the products you wish to purchase and add them to your cart.
- Complete Payment: Use cryptocurrency to pay for your items securely.
- Provide a Shipping Address: Use an address that won’t compromise your identity. Consider using a PO Box or a mail forwarding service.
- Track Your Order: Many marketplaces provide tracking options to monitor your shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you get caught buying drugs on the dark web?
Yes, law enforcement agencies monitor dark web activities, and users can be tracked if they are not careful.
Is it safe to buy drugs on the dark web?
No, purchasing drugs on the dark web poses numerous risks, including scams, health hazards, and legal consequences.
What payment methods can I use?
The majority of transactions on the dark web are conducted using cryptocurrency, which provides a level of anonymity.
What should I do if I get scammed?
Report the incident on relevant forums, but keep in mind that recovery is unlikely, as identifying fraudsters is challenging.
Before considering buying drugs on the dark web, weigh the risks and consequences carefully. Engaging in such activities can have lasting effects on your life and well-being.
