He did it through what’s called the “Dark Web” and it took him all of ten minutes to show how to send pure fentanyl and just about any other drug to our front door. “The best thing my husband ever did for me was ask for a divorce,” Greenwell said. “And he knows that. It saved my life because he was loving me to death.” It’s often said that addiction does not discriminate and Greenwell is a living example.
- Before using, wash or sanitize your hands and any surfaces used to prepare the drugs.
- Fifteen participants were recruited and interviewed between January 2019 and January 2020.
- FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — More and more young fentanyl users are turning to social media apps for their next Fentanyl high.
- Other drug checking tools like reagent kits can be used, but they can be expensive and legality varies by state (updated as of 2019).
- Our staff can deliver care on the spot to those who use the Tacoma Needle Exchange van in our parking lot.
- The potent synthetic has already killed 30 people in Vermont in 2018, more than heroin and prescription opioids combined, according to state data.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. It is a highly addictive drug that is often used in the medical field to treat severe pain, but it has also become a popular drug of abuse. Because of its potency and addictive properties, fentanyl is a controlled substance that is illegal to possess or sell without a prescription. However, this hasn’t stopped some people from seeking out ways to buy fentanyl illegally.
Fighting Fentanyl: The Practitioners
Illegal Sources of Fentanyl
There are several ways that people can buy fentanyl illegally. Here are some of the most common sources:
Medication Disposal Bags
- The Dark Web: The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and can only be accessed using special software. It is a haven for illegal activity, including the sale of drugs like fentanyl. People can buy fentanyl on the dark web using cryptocurrency, which makes it difficult for law enforcement to trace the transactions.
- Drug Dealers: Fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, to increase their potency. Drug dealers may sell fentanyl-laced drugs on the street, and people who buy these drugs may not even be aware that they contain fentanyl.
- Online Marketplaces: There are some online marketplaces that sell fentanyl and other illegal drugs. These marketplaces often require users to create an account and use cryptocurrency to make purchases. However, these marketplaces are often shut down by law enforcement, and people who use them risk arrest and prosecution.
Many times, O’Neal said, cocaine and other drug users do not know to expect fentanyl. That’s because the deadly opioid is increasingly found in illegal drugs like pain pills, cocaine and even marijuana. Testing drugs for fentanyl can save lives, Joshua O’Neal with the Fulton County Board of Health said.
Dangers of Buying Fentanyl Illegally
Buying fentanyl illegally is dangerous for several reasons. Here are some of the risks:
Illinois Helpline For Opioids & Other Substances
- Potency: Fentanyl is a highly potent drug, and even a small amount can be lethal. People who buy fentanyl illegally may not know how much they are getting, which can lead to accidental overdoses.
- Purity: Illegally obtained fentanyl may not be pure, and it may be mixed with other substances. This can increase the risk of overdose and other health problems.
- Legal Consequences: Possessing or selling fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and can result in serious legal consequences, including arrest and imprisonment.
In some cases, a person’s chest may become very stiff (called “chest wall rigidity” or “wooden chest”). This can make it harder for the victim to breathe and for a responder to do chest compressions. Until recently, fentanyl was mostly only a problem on the East Coast. But related overdose deaths increased in Washington in the past two years. A single colored line is a positive result, meaning fentanyl is present and you shouldn’t consume the drug.
FAQs
Can you buy fentanyl over the counter? No, fentanyl is a controlled substance that can only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Is it safe to buy fentanyl online? No, buying fentanyl online is illegal and dangerous. Online marketplaces that sell fentanyl are often shut down by law enforcement, and people who use them risk arrest and prosecution.
How can you tell if a drug contains fentanyl? It can be difficult to tell if a drug contains fentanyl, as it is often mixed with other substances. If you are concerned that a drug may contain fentanyl, you should seek medical attention immediately.
What should you do if you or someone you know is addicted to fentanyl? If you or someone you know is addicted to fentanyl, you should seek medical attention immediately. Fentanyl addiction can be treated with medication-assisted therapy and behavioral therapies.
Conclusion
Fentanyl is a dangerous and highly addictive drug that should only be used under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider. Buying fentanyl illegally is dangerous and can result in serious legal consequences. If you or someone you know is addicted to fentanyl, you should seek medical attention immediately.
