The Joint Criminal Opioid Darknet Enforcement Group Targets Illegal Drug Sales On The Dark Web
Understanding Darknet Drug Trafficking
Public–private partnerships need to be forged with participation from internet service providers, tech companies, and shipping and mailing companies to improve government response to drug trafficking on the internet, the UNODC report says. A month before Peck’s sentence, a federal grand jury returned an 11-count indictment charging Christopher Hampton, of Cerritos, California, with various narcotics and weapons offenses. He is accused of heading an organization that operated labs that used high-speed pill presses to make fake pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine—the machines emulate the markings on authentic prescription pills, such as Oxycodone or Adderall. According to court documents, he was active on at least nine darknet marketplaces where he typically used the moniker “Narco710”, allegedly selling nearly $2 million worth of narcotics on two of these darknet marketplaces alone.
Earlier this year, three people linked to the online moniker “Aeirla” were sentenced to federal prison for conspiring to distribute meth and cocaine to customers who negotiated transactions on the darkweb. In addition to the Stealthgod cases, federal prosecutors in Los Angeles have filed cases against other alleged darknet narcotics traffickers and those who help them convert bitcoin into gold or similar currencies. Earlier this year, five other alleged members of the narcotics ring were arrested on federal charges, and authorities made substantial seizures of narcotics and cryptocurrency during the probe, according to the U.S. The announcement comes as the coronavirus pandemic has fueled the country’s opioid crisis, with several states reporting more fatal overdoses in the past few months. FBI Director Christopher Wray said drug traffickers have increasingly leveraged Darknet sites as the virus took hold in the country.
Cryptomarkets extend some of these developments, seeking to emphasise conflict resolution, cooperation and professionalism and punish predation [45, 46], making their ethos more attractive to buyers and dealers [47]. That may serve to reduce some of the collateral harms of the illicit drug market [48] while at the same time concentrating risk and systemic violence among an already marginalised segment of the drug-using population that has little access to drug-delivery methods. While the cryptomarkets do put gentrification to the fore, they also shift power in the marketplace and create new opportunities for vendors to develop exploitative or coercive strategies and techniques [49]. The cryptomarkets are part of an ecosystem of messaging apps, webpages, discussion servers and social media platforms that service drug markets, mainly based in Europe, North America and Australasia [25•]. They serve the end point of the global trafficking network, supplementing and sometimes replacing the trafficker to supplier/buyer stage [26] in consumer countries [27] and excluding the global south [28].
The emergence of the darknet has significantly transformed the landscape of drug trafficking. Operating in a shadowy realm of the internet, the darknet provides a platform for illegal activities, effectively connecting buyers and sellers without the oversight of law enforcement.
Here is a posting from the 6th ranked vendor on RuTor, ‘Crystal-Mafia’ that shows what the drug looks like. Around the beginning of Q3 2022, multiple drug shops were identified in the Dark Web providing customers with a customized Android-based mobile app for purchases and secure communications, as well as sending instructions to couriers. The significance of this new trend is increasing OPSEC measures (of threat actors) and a visible shift from traditional communications channels to proprietary (developed by other actors operating in Dark Web). In such case, bad actors control communications infrastructure, may easily destroy/wipe it, as well as get rid of mobile devices.
Such pharmaceuticals include Adderall, Atomoxetine, Mersyndol Forte Codeine, Morphine Zomorph Ethypharm, Oxycontin, and many others that are readily available on DNMs. Aside from prescription pharmaceuticals used to treat conditions such as extreme pain, anxiety, ADHD, Insomnia and many other ailments, male performance drugs such as Viagra, Cialis, and Kamagra Oral Jelly are also seeing a spike in popularity. Based on the details provided in the released report over the summer of 2022, most pop-up markets on the dark web were primarily fighting for brand recognition, much like a ‘cyber-90s’ type of environment. Resecurity detailed the increasing tensions between different influence groups behind illegal marketplaces in Dark Web – attacking each other, performing DDoS attacks and trying to abuse the reputation of competitors to capture a bigger market share. Resecurity outlined a new marketplace called “Kraken”, which emerged right at the start of 2023 following the Christmas holidays and was designed in Hydra’s best tradition. Launched by the WayAWay Market founders, it has already accumulated over 1,720 reputable sellers and shops selling illicit goods.
Law enforcement agencies around the globe often monitor these platforms for illegal activities and counterfeiting. Any rigorous monitoring solution requires access to timely, constant, and structured dark web data to track relevant mentions, the latest trends of illegal drug trafficking, profiling the main drug players, and other relevant information to curtail these illegal operations. Drug trading takes place on different deep and dark web platforms, including illegal darknet marketplaces also known as “drug markets”, chat applications, and dark web forums. Drug trafficking-related content is mentioned over 17,000 times on these platforms- every day.
As the investigation into the “Stealthgod” crew continued, the Los Angeles JCODE Task Force made additional seizures, including $1.6 million in cryptocurrency, three firearms, 11 pounds of methamphetamine and 14 pounds of pills pressed with methamphetamine. Chavez has pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and MDMA, as well as possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Earlier this year, five other members of the narcotics ring were arrested on federal charges, and authorities made substantial seizures of narcotics and cryptocurrency. Then there are mirror sites on the surface web that provide hyperlinks to corresponding hidden sites, and “invitation-only” markets where users need to be referred by a current user, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) says. The agency, based in The Hague, built intelligence based on evidence from Germany, which it said seized the marketplace’s “criminal infrastructure” in December 2021. The largest number of arrests — 153 — were made in the United States, followed by the United Kingdom with 55 and Germany with 52, according to the European Union law enforcement agency Europol, which coordinated the worldwide operation.
What is the Darknet?
The darknet refers to parts of the internet that are not indexed by traditional search engines. Users must employ specific software to access these hidden websites, with Tor and I2P being the most popular tools. This anonymity is appealing, particularly to those engaged in illicit activities.
Mechanisms of Darknet Drug Trafficking
Darknet drug trafficking operates through several key mechanisms:
- Law enforcement also seized 117 firearms and $53.4 million in cash and virtual currencies as part of the operation, according to DOJ.
- Examining the differences between the role of the related factors in legal and illegal purchases can help us understand the operation of illegal drug purchases.
- As the illicit trade of drugs continues to flourish in the dark web, it has become very clear illegal narcotics are not the only substances booming in Q1 of 2023.
- Even though this activity originated on the dark web, it can still lead to the same dangerous drug-related violence in our neighborhoods that we see far too often,” District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement.
- WASHINGTON – Federal officials have arrested and charged dozens of people believed to have trafficked drugs in the USA and other countries through Darknet sites, the Justice Department announced Tuesday.
- Anonymity: Users can purchase drugs without revealing their identity, making it hard for law enforcement to track them.
- Cryptocurrency: Transactions are often conducted using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which adds an extra layer of security.
- Escrow Services: Many platforms utilize escrow services to protect both sellers and buyers during transactions.
- Feedback and Ratings: Similar to e-commerce sites, vendors and products often come with user reviews, assisting buyers in making informed decisions.
Popular Platforms
Several darknet marketplaces have gained notoriety for drug trafficking, including:
- Silk Road: One of the first and most well-known marketplaces for illicit drugs.
- AlphaBay: Regarded as a major player until its seizure by law enforcement in 2017.
- Dream Market: A marketplace that offered various illegal goods before shutting down in 2019.
- Darknet Diaries: A platform that provides insights and stories surrounding darknet activities.
Risks Involved
While the darknet offers a degree of anonymity, engaging in drug trafficking comes with significant risks:
- Law Enforcement: With increased surveillance and investigations, buyers and sellers may face arrest.
- Scams: Fraudulent sellers might take money without delivering goods.
- Health Risks: The quality and purity of drugs bought can be unpredictable, leading to potential health risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of drugs are commonly sold on the darknet?
Commonly sold drugs include opioids, stimulants, hallucinogens, and synthetic drugs.
How can individuals protect themselves when buying from the darknet?
To minimize risks, individuals can use reputable marketplaces, employ secure payment methods, and always research products and sellers.
What are the legal implications of darknet drug trafficking?
Engaging in drug trafficking on the darknet is illegal and can result in severe legal repercussions, including lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines.
The Future of Darknet Drug Trafficking
As law enforcement continually adapts to combat the growing issue, darknet drug trafficking is likely to evolve. Emerging technologies and strategies could still allow these marketplaces to thrive, making it crucial for authorities to stay ahead of the curve.
Understanding and addressing the challenges of darknet drug trafficking are essential for ensuring safer communities while combating the overarching issues of drug abuse and trafficking in society.
