Likewise, consumers who use these websites engage in a high-risk behavior, often knowing that some online pharmacies break laws but choosing to shop anyway. Recently, we were contacted by a parent who was concerned that their teen was using his cell phone to purchase illegal drugs online. After helping this parent, we decided that the time was right to publish a blog post about this challenging reality. While there are an increasing number of apps designed to help drug and alcohol users in recovery, drug dealers are also taking advantage of apps to increase their customer base. Studies indicate that buyers are predominantly from the US, United Kingdom and Australia. With the low risk, high profits and anonymity provided by these websites, such a market for illicit drugs has the potential to grow in Africa in tandem with the uptake of technology among the continent’s youth.
Understanding the Risks and Considerations
Center For Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT)
Finding drugs online can be a daunting task, fraught with risks and legal implications. It’s crucial to approach this topic with a comprehensive understanding of both the medical and legal landscapes.
Before delving into the methods of how to find drugs online, consider the following:
In sum, online drug trafficking is the natural extension of using the internet for all aspects of our lives. Law enforcement is also aware of the increase in drug distribution over the internet, and it is creating special units to go after online drug trafficking specifically. And authorities say Snapchat is often used to buy and sell drugs in a quick and anonymous way.
With the popularity of social media, there is increased access to illegal drugs. Parents and caregivers should be aware of how they can spread the message and teach young adults about medication safety. “Compared to darknet market use, Telegram is a lot easier to use and more convenient for buyers,” said Monica Barratt, a social scientist at RMIT University in Australia with an expertise in online drug markets. Although some Bay Area police departments once dedicated time to policing Craigslist, priorities have changed and few detectives spend their days solely looking for drug sales ads on social media sites. If you or someone you love is thinking about using the illegal drug market to get drugs to fuel their addiction, it’s time to start thinking about treatment.
- Legality: Research the legal status of the drug in your country.
- Safety: Be aware of counterfeit medications that could pose a serious health risk.
- Source evaluation: Always verify the credibility of the website or provider.
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. For example, preliminary findings suggest an overall decline in drug use in Europe during the early stages of the pandemic, and this was especially true for amphetamine, cocaine and MDMA use (Been et al., 2021; EMCDDA, 2020a; Sande et al., 2021). Similarly, among electronic dance music partiers in New York, self-reported use of cocaine, MDMA, and LSD decreased during the early stages of COVID-19 (Palamar et al., 2020).
But the internet, of course, has many places where dark-web and other online vendors are discussed. You may know someone who knows someone, or you may just experiment and get lucky. For those who can, surfing the dark web to find a vendor, or asking someone you know to do it, is an option. Once you have one, you can switch from the dark web to secured apps such as Signal or Wickr.
It helps users locate sites that have gone down — due to a DDoS attack or other event — and relaunched under new URLs. Other sites included in the search listings so far include Agora, BlackBank, Cloud-Nine, Evolution, NiceGuy, Pandora, and The Pirate Market. Although Grams is still in beta, it’s already serving up results from eight online markets, thanks to an API the developer made available to site owners to allow his engine to scrape their product listings. If you believe your website is mistakenly included on the Not Recommended List, email to request information about NABP’s appeals process.
Steps to Find Drugs Online Safely
To navigate the online drug landscape safely, follow these steps:
1. Start with Research
Begin with a thorough search regarding the specific drug you are looking for. Look for:
- Technological advances have made it easier than ever before to obtain illicit drugs online.
- Before we look into this, it is important to note that anyone who is dealing with a drug or alcohol addiction should seek help immediately.
- Postal Inspectors in Savannah, Georgia seized a parcel containing approximately $269,335 in cash destined for a hotel in Houston, Texas.
- In contrast, the vast majority of online pharmacies make evading the laws part of their business models by selling expensive, high-risk or addictive drugs without prescriptions and without complying with regulatory standards.
- “Regardless of the safety precautions that I take, it’s still nerve racking.
- Medical information on reputable health websites.
- Patient forums for personal experiences.
- Logos of trusted pharmaceutical organizations.
2. Identify Legitimate Online Pharmacies
When searching for drugs online, aim to use verified online pharmacies. Consider the following:
- Check for pharmacy accreditation from organizations like the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).
- Websites should require a prescription for prescription medications.
- Look for contact information and a physical address.
3. Look for Customer Reviews
Customer feedback can provide insights into the reliability of a pharmacy. Make sure to check:
- Online reviews on third-party sites.
- Ratings from other users about their purchasing experiences.
4. Understand Payment Methods
Secure payment options are crucial for safe transactions. Opt for:
- Credit cards or payment services that offer buyer protection.
- Websites that do not insist on wire transfers or cryptocurrency payments.
Common FAQs
What should I do if I receive the wrong medication?
If you receive an incorrect order, contact the pharmacy immediately. Document everything, including transaction details and correspondence.
How can I tell if a pharmacy is legitimate?
Legitimate pharmacies typically require a prescription, provide a physical address and phone number, and possess proper licensing and accreditation.
Is it safe to buy medication from Canada or other countries?
Purchasing drugs from other countries can be risky. Ensure the pharmacy is licensed and follows safety regulations. Research the specific laws regarding international purchases of drugs.
Conclusion
While the internet offers a wealth of information and access, knowing how to find drugs online safely is vital. Remember to prioritize your health and safety, verify sources, and adhere to local laws regarding medication purchase.
