The Dark Web and Drug Trade
Another 24 per cent of sellers didn’t indicate the country they were shipping from. The United States topped the list, with a quarter of vendors shipping from south of the border, followed by the United Kingdom, at nine per cent. “If you’re buying a TV or you’re buying a video game … you can check reviews for that item,” he says. “You can go through the vendor’s page and check all of his or her reviews as well….
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. “I will also be making it easier for advertisers to buy ads through an automated system.”
Dark Web Marketplace Increases Availability, Acceptability Of Drugs: Expert
It requires specific anonymising browser software to access, typically I2P or Tor software – hence the local market’s name. Just like the deep web, the dark web is not indexed by or accessible through search engines. For drug dealers and anyone looking to buy narcotics, this is an asset, even if it makes access slightly inconvenient. Dark web commerce sites have the same features as any e-retail operation, including ratings/reviews, shopping carts and forums, but there are important differences.
The dark web has become a notorious hub for illicit activities, with one of the most alarming being the trade of dark web drugs. This hidden part of the internet operates on an encrypted network, making it difficult to track users and transactions.
After customers ordered drugs over an encrypted messaging app, a deliveryman would arrive later the same day to distribute the drugs. But, all the same – even if the products are seized, that itself generally isn’t enough to warrant an arrest. The fact of drugs being sent to someone’s house is not, on its own, conclusive evidence that they are buying or using them. Indeed, somebody could theoretically ship drugs to any address they want to – regardless of whether they have any connection to the resident. Police are also unlikely to target people purchasing a small amount of drugs.
Cannabis was second, with 18 per cent of the market, followed by opioids, including fentanyl, heroin and oxycodone, which together accounted for nearly 13 per cent of sales. Dream boasts almost the same number of listings for other products, including items that purport to be designer clothes, counterfeit money and stolen online banking information. In Calgary, police say it’s difficult to pinpoint how many drug users are flocking to the dark net — and how much they’re buying — because the markets change constantly. Before it was shut down in 2013, Silk Road was the most popular darknet market. Others like Agora and Evolution filled the vacuum left by Silk Road after it was shut down through the efforts of the U.S. government, though since then, these have also been shuttered.
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. The market is also limited in the kinds of drugs it can trade effectively. Drugs like heroin and cocaine already have established distribution and production channels that the web in its current form can’t disrupt. Suppliers have detailed reviews on their product, the market is competitive, and people can shop around easily. Aspiring sellers struggle to get a foothold without a history of good reviews; sometimes they offer special deals and an easy exchange policy in return for good reviews.
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is a small segment of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines. To access it, users usually require specific software like Tor, which anonymizes user identities. This anonymity attracts a range of illegal activities, including the sale of drugs.
Types of Dark Web Drugs
The selection of dark web drugs is vast, catering to various preferences. Some common drugs available include:
- Stimulants: Such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA.
- Opiates: Including heroin and prescription painkillers like oxycodone.
- Hallucinogens: Like LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and DMT.
- Research Chemicals: Unregulated substances mimicking established drugs.
How Purchases Are Made
Buying dark web drugs is relatively straightforward, although it involves various risks. The typical process includes:
- Creating a secure wallet for cryptocurrency.
- Accessing dark web marketplaces using Tor.
- Choosing a vendor based on ratings and reviews.
- Placing an order and making payment using cryptocurrency like Bitcoin.
- Awaiting delivery through mail or other methods.
- In another case Cab prosecuted a drug dealer and sought orders to seize a series of virtual wallets that contained 6,000 bitcoins.
- This also means that Operation Dark HunTor likely isn’t the final word on dark web arrests and that illicit marketplace vendors may have to proceed with a little more caution.
- Use of the dark web requires special access, software and complex configurations.
Risks Involved
Despite the appealing anonymity, there are significant risks associated with buying dark web drugs:
- Legal Consequences: Law enforcement agencies monitor dark web activity, and purchasing drugs can lead to criminal charges.
- Scams and Fraud: Many vendors may be unreliable, resulting in lost money and no drugs delivered.
- Quality Control: The purity and composition of drugs cannot be guaranteed, leading to potential overdoses or health complications.
Preventive Measures for Users
Those considering purchasing from the dark web should be aware of safety measures:
- Use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for added security.
- Conduct thorough research on vendors before making a purchase.
- Avoid sharing personal information to maintain anonymity.
- Be cautious with payment methods and only use cryptocurrencies.
FAQs about Dark Web Drugs
Is buying drugs on the dark web safe?
No, purchasing drugs from the dark web carries significant risks, including legal issues and potential scams.
What forms of payment are accepted for dark web drugs?
Most transactions are made using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Monero, as they offer a degree of anonymity.
Are the drugs sold on the dark web legal?
No, the drugs sold on the dark web are generally illegal in most jurisdictions.
Can I get arrested for buying drugs on the dark web?
Yes, law enforcement agencies actively monitor dark web activities, and purchasing illegal substances can lead to arrest.
What should I do if I get scammed?
Report the vendor to the marketplace administrators and, if necessary, consider contacting law enforcement.
The dark web drugs trade represents a significant challenge for both consumers and law enforcement. While accessibility may seem enticing, the dangers far outweigh the perceived benefits.
