The dark web, a hidden part of the internet not indexed by traditional search engines, has gained notoriety for its illegal activities, including the sale of drugs. The anonymity provided by the dark web has made it a popular platform for drug traffickers and buyers looking to evade law enforcement.
What are Dark Web Drugs?
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Similar to legal online retailers, dark net drug listings feature dozens of reviews, assessing the products for quality, purity and shipping times. These drug markets are clandestine dispensaries of illicit and dangerous substances that are sold in exchange for cryptocurrencies, such as bitcoin. For police, they pose a challenging front in the fight against the opioid crisis. Sellers who deliver the goods as promised receive higher ratings and are rewarded with a better reputation over time.
Dark web drugs refer to illegal substances that are bought and sold on hidden websites on the dark web. These drugs can include but are not limited to:
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- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Methamphetamine
- LSD
- Prescription medications
At the time of its closure, Silk Road processed around $15 million transactions a year. While it is more difficult to access, the dark web is a haven for some drug dealers as the prices for their drugs are also more expensive. Considering the dealers seem to be assuming less risk, it is a surprise that they are able to charge more for their illegal, and oftentimes harmful, products.
And in early 2016, then-US Attorney General Loretta Lynch warned that some gun sales were shifting to the dark web to stay outside the reach of regulations. When you log in to internet banking, you’ve navigated to a specific location online, but one that’s not served up in Google results. The same goes for the different pages that pop up in webmail services, like Gmail, or academic databases on a university network.
The Risks of Buying Drugs on the Dark Web
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While the anonymity of the dark web may seem appealing to those looking to purchase drugs, there are significant risks involved in buying dark web drugs:
- Legal consequences: Purchasing drugs on the dark web is illegal and can lead to serious legal repercussions.
- Quality control: Buyers have no way of knowing the quality or purity of the drugs they are purchasing, which can lead to overdose or other health risks.
- Scams: There are many fraudulent sellers on the dark web who will take your money without delivering any drugs.
- Violence: Dealing with drug traffickers on the dark web can put buyers at risk of violence or retaliation.
The first is the encryption of the entire purchase process, i.e., the immediate deletion of online traces of the customer. The second is the prohibition of retaining purchase data, which embodies the demand expressed by the customer towards the vendor or the web market’s operator (Dordal, 2018; Espinosa, 2019). The third is complete anonymity, which also extends to the actor from whom the customer orders the product.
Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Wang is in charge of the prosecution and Assistant United States Attorney Madeline O’Connor and Brendan King of the Office’s Asset Recovery Section are handling forfeiture matters. He adds that he has tested MDMA friends have purchased from the dark web that turned out to be composed of entirely different drugs. “I certainly have tested other people’s drugs that are impure”, though, he says. To find other drugs, Doe says that the search process can be more of a “gamble”. Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s services are here to support communities across all states and territories. The good news is such platforms do not really last long, per the UNODC report.
Final Thoughts
- Online drug marketplaces seem to have started around 2011, when Silk Road disrupted the way people buy drugs, shifting from dark alleys to the dark web.
- And there was a 56% decline in the number of remaining vendors on the policed site.
- People are online more than ever and may also be more susceptible to illicit offerings.
While the allure of dark web drugs may be tempting for some, the risks far outweigh any potential benefits. It is always best to avoid illegal activities and seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction.
