Is It Easy To Buy Drugs On The Dark Web?
Illegal drug sales online are not only commonplace, but also tough to detect, according to a recent University of Texas study. With an uptick in the use of opioid painkillers, fentanyl, and heroin, lead University of Texas study author Tiffany Champagne-Langabeer states this is fueling the opioid epidemic. The reason that law enforcement struggles to crack down on these online drug sales is the fact they are conducted out of plain sight on the dark web. We’ll give you a snapshot into these online marketplaces, but first a few words on opioids, the cause of current concern in the wake of recent research.
Understanding the Dark Web
Today, there are about 9,300 websites selling drugs illegally on the darkweb. Another finding in the RAND 2016 report was that the Dark Net has started to play a major role in supplying ‘offline’ drug markets, as street dealers buy in bulk at cheaper prices and sell on for profit. Researchers found a quarter of the drug sales were for listings worth more than $1,000 (£768), suggesting that these purchases were intended for resale. Le was indicted in June 2019 along with co-conspirators Steven McCall and Allante Pires. According to court records, Le received wholesale quantities of controlled substances in the mail from various international sources.
The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines, making it a haven for those seeking anonymity. While it is notorious for illegal activities, including drug trafficking, it also serves other purposes.
The Tor software (and its dedicated Tor Browser) is probably the most famous of these, though there are others, including I2P and Freenet. It’s hard to estimate just how big the deep web is, but the commonly cited research (albeit from 2001) puts the deep web at 400 to 550 times the size of the “surface web.” The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. 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. Alright boys and girls…you’ve downloaded Tor, covered your asses in every way possible, converted some dollaz to Bitcoins (or fragments of a Bitcoin, really), and now you’re ready to go buy your good times on the DarkNet. After you purchase your Bitcoins, I’d heavily suggest getting them filtered through a tumbler so that even if something bad does happen and they’re somehow intercepted, nothing can be traced back to you.
Prerequisites Before Accessing the Dark Web
Before learning how to buy drugs on dark web, it’s essential to understand the risks and necessary precautions. Here’s a checklist:
The vast majority of “down,” as they call the dreary, unpleasant stuff, doesn’t even contain heroin. Plus, the far-too-common grey sort (known confusingly as “grey death,” despite often being on the weaker side) is rather hard to inject. A pale, ashy shade in powder form, it turns pitch-black when mixed with water. This opaqueness makes the flash of blood impossible to see, so you never quite know whether you’ve hit a vein. All it took was five minutes, one quick download, an encrypted URL off Reddit and I had accessed the famous ‘Ebay for drugs’ – hidden deep in the recesses of the dark net.
If you’ve reported domestic abuse, rape or sexual crimes to us, we’d appreciate your feedback on the service we provided. As a precaution, most dealers only use these platforms for advertising and work out the transaction details via Kik, a chatting app; the main difference is not between the various apps but between the two general styles of dealer found on these apps. There are those like Tony who advertise for face-to-face transactions and others who advertise for online transactions. Social media is creating a new market for users to sell and score weed, ketamine, and everything in between.
- Use a reliable VPN to hide your IP address.
- Install the Tor browser for accessing .onion sites.
- Understand the legal implications and risks involved.
- Ensure you have a secure cryptocurrency wallet for transactions.
Those unfamiliar with the dark web may wonder how it operates and whether it poses a greater threat in the opioid crisis than the surface web. LegitScript investigative analysts explored this issue earlier this year when we conducted in-depth research on dark web opioid sales on behalf of the Center for Safe Internet Pharmacies (CSIP). Our investigation culminated in the report The State of Opioid Sales on the Dark Web.
Steps to Buy Drugs on the Dark Web
Purchasing drugs on the dark web involves a series of careful steps. Here’s a structured guide:
- Set Up a Secure Environment:
- Use a virtual machine or a separate device to minimize exposure.
- Ensure your software and anti-virus programs are up to date.
- Download and Configure Tor Browser:
- Install the Tor browser from its official site.
- Adjust privacy settings for maximum security.
- Access Dark Web Marketplaces:
- Find reputable dark web marketplaces through forums or guides.
- Verify the marketplace’s authenticity through reviews and feedback.
- Create an Account:
- Register on the marketplace using a secure username and password.
- Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
- Browse Products:
- Use the marketplace’s search function to find the specific drugs you want.
- Check the seller’s rating and reviews before making a purchase.
- Make a Purchase:
- Select the desired product and add it to your cart.
- Use cryptocurrency to complete your purchase, as it provides anonymity.
- Secure Your Transaction:
- Choose a trusted seller with good reviews for lower risk.
- Use escrow services if available to protect your payment.
- Receive Your Order:
- Use discreet shipping options to avoid detection.
- Track your order while ensuring your identity remains secure.
Risks and Consequences
Engaging in the practice of buying drugs on the dark web carries significant risks:
- Legal consequences, including potential arrests and charges.
- Financial loss due to scams or failed transactions.
- Receiving substandard or dangerous substances.
- Exposure to dangerous individuals and criminal organizations.
FAQs
- Kalicum, who is 26 years old and working on his masters degree in public health, describes that supply as being “accessible, reliable and safe” when it comes to potency.
- Users often do not know the real identity of the fellow users they are dealing with, and it is very difficult – although not impossible – for authorities to track them.
- A customer’s bitcoin are poured into a virtual black box and mixed with other bitcoin.
Is it legal to buy drugs on the dark web?
Buying drugs on the dark web is illegal in most countries, and those caught can face severe penalties.
What payment methods are accepted on the dark web?
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Monero are commonly used due to their anonymity.
How can I protect myself when buying drugs online?
Using a VPN, ensuring software security, reading reviews, and choosing reputable sellers can help mitigate risks.
What should I do if I get scammed?
If you fall victim to a scam, report it to the marketplace’s support, but keep in mind that recovery of funds may not be possible.
Are there safe alternatives to buying drugs on the dark web?
It’s always advisable to seek legal and safe alternatives for any substance use, including consulting healthcare professionals.
