Authorities On 3 Continents Crack Down On Dark Web Drug Sales
They often wear clothes with shop logos and publish price lists and post links. Even in the occupied territories of Ukraine, Russian troops entering Mariupol were closely followed by Telegram bots offering hash, mephedrone and alpha-PVP, peddling their wares even before the ruined city had running water returned. It’s not established yet how the drugs were brought to occupied Ukraine but the dealing network likely has some connection with Russian soldiers or non-combat staff. Some of these sites have turned to influencers to boost their publicity campaigns.
An Overview of the Darknet and Its Role in Drug Trade
Darknet drug markets are anonymous online marketplaces where users from across the globe can purchase illicit drugs, such as heroin and methamphetamine, from anonymous vendors and have the drugs delivered to their door steps through a postal service. They function akin to Clearnet markets (e.g., eBay), incorporating drug listings, vendor reputation scores, and histories of product reviews left by previous buyers. We constructed our network by gathering data from each vendor’s web page between the first date of market operation, January 2017, and February 2018.
In legal commerce, this is only relevant in terms of storing and managing data related to the purchase and the customer (Ilmudeen, 2019). Some online shoppers are only willing to provide their personal data at the point when they order the products but refuse to register and ask the seller to delete all information about them. Stealth becomes more significant in illegal than in legal commercial transactions, where invisibility can prevent exposure or embarrassment (Aldridge & Askew, 2017). This demand can occur not only when ordering illegal products but also when buying sensitive products, such as health or sexual products.
The darknet refers to parts of the internet that are not indexed by standard search engines. It often requires specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. One of the most notorious uses of the darknet is for the trade of drugs.
However, nearly as soon as Hydra shut down, OMG began seeing high inflows for the first time, more than half of which came from Hydra counterparties. But this very public advertising blitz stemmed from events that took place In April 2022, when the world’s biggest ever darknet market Hydra, which made most of its money selling drugs, was shut down and its alleged mastermind Dmitry Pavlov was arrested in Moscow. Yet, like the Hydra of Greek legend, whose heads multiply when they are severed, a new generation of darknet markets popped up to challenge for control of a market worth at least $1.37 billion, according to unofficial estimates.
One defendant in California led an organization that bought fentanyl in bulk, pressed it into pills with methamphetamine and sold millions of pills to thousands of people on the dark web, he said. A report conducted by Bitfury and Crystal Blockchain into the use of cryptocurrencies on the dark web indicates the number of exchanges is increasing. Interestingly, the report suggests the majority of users are sending bitcoin directly from an exchange with no KYC demands during checkout. 45% of bitcoin sent into the dark web has come from a KYC-free exchange account. “TOR” or The Onion Router is a browser that allows you to protect your identity while surfing online.
Still, it’s unclear whether even 150 arrests will be enough to slow things down. As Monaco noted Tuesday, the dark web drug racket was already a billion-dollar industry before the pandemic drove it to new heights. The demand hasn’t gone away, and suppliers will certainly try, at least, to meet it. Some of the most neglected victims of the war on drugs are the families and children of those who are incarcerated because of nonviolent drug offenses.
Understanding Darknet Drugs
Darknet drugs encompass a wide variety of illegal substances that are sold through online marketplaces. These platforms simulate legitimate e-commerce sites but operate anonymously, making it difficult for law enforcement to track transactions or sellers.
Note that some high-profile underground marketplaces and forums are frequently deactivated or have been shut down by law enforcement authorities [23]. Hence, we also gathered snapshots of 5 underground marketplaces and 6 forums collected by the anonymous marketplace archives programs and previous research projects [20]. The opioid buyer (client) will also access the anonymous online market and create an account in each anonymous marketplace before they can find the listings of opioids (step 4). After perusing the items available on the anonymous online market (step 5), the buyer will add opioids to their shopping cart (step 6). When the buyer wants to check out and make a purchase using cryptocurrency (eg, Bitcoin), if the trader accepts payment through an anonymous online marketplace as an escrow, the buyer will place the listed amount of cryptocurrency in escrow (step 7).
- Law enforcement agencies keep an ear to the ground on the dark web looking for stolen data from recent security breaches that might lead to a trail to the perpetrators.
- Took a little bit of time to get started and use proper security, though.
- These websites also sell significant amounts of psychedelic drugs, opioids and other prescription medications.
- Types of Drugs:
- Heroin
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy
- Prescription medications
- Synthetic drugs like fentanyl and ketamine
- Payment Methods:
- Cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin)
- Escrow services
- Gift cards
The Appeal of Darknet Drugs
The allure of darknet drugs lies in their accessibility and perceived anonymity. Users might choose the darknet for several reasons:
- Wide variety of available substances
- Often lower prices compared to street dealers
- Access to rare or hard-to-find drugs
- Perceived safety of a digital transaction
Risks and Dangers
While the darknet offers opportunities for purchasing drugs, it is not without risks:
- Legal Consequences: Purchasing illegal substances can lead to severe legal repercussions.
- Health Risks: The quality and purity of drugs are often unverified, increasing the chance of overdose or adverse reactions.
- Scams: There are numerous fraudulent sellers who exploit buyers, leading to financial losses.
- Cybersecurity Threats: Users may expose themselves to hacking or identity theft when engaging in darknet transactions.
FAQs about Darknet Drugs
Are darknet drugs safe to use?
No, darknet drugs are illegal and often unregulated, meaning they can pose significant health risks.
Can you get arrested for buying drugs from the darknet?
Yes, engaging in the purchase of drugs on the darknet is illegal and can result in arrest.
What types of drugs are commonly found on the darknet?
Common drugs include heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, and various prescription medications.
How can one ensure privacy while exploring the darknet?
While some use VPNs and anonymous browsing tools, complete privacy is never guaranteed, especially in illegal activities.
Conclusion
The trade of darknet drugs highlights a complex interplay of technology, anonymity, and illegal activity. While it might provide easy access to a variety of substances, users must weigh the significant risks involved, including legal issues, health dangers, and the potential for scams.
