Understanding the Dangers of Purchasing Fentanyl Online
In recent years, the increased demand for opioids, particularly fentanyl, has led many individuals to seek out options for obtaining it online. However, this practice is not only illegal but can also be extremely dangerous.
Drug supply chains are changing in other ways as traffickers engage in a cat-and-mouse game to evade law enforcement. Access to the Internet gives even small-time sellers in China transnational reach to market and ship their potent products. China has a vast pharmaceuticals and bulk chemical manufacturing sector, making compounds sold globally intended for legitimate purposes in medicine and industrial processes. Synthetic opioid vendors shield themselves behind layers of interlinked companies registered in these sectors or related fields such as biotechnology. The drug vendors NPR visited worked out of offices tucked away in shopping malls, residential towers and industrial complexes.
Before considering any action, it is crucial to recognize the serious implications associated with purchasing fentanyl illegally. Not only does it expose individuals to potential legal consequences, but it also puts them at risk of encountering counterfeit products that can be lethal.
People use fentanyl because it is cheap to manufacture and a small amount goes a long way. Many individuals consume fentanyl without knowledge while others use it intentionally because of its potency. In addition to naloxone (e.g., Narcan), fentanyl test strips are a proven way to help reduce overdoses and death as a result of fentanyl.
Fentanyl: What You Need To Know
Over that time period, he received 15 packages through the Postal Service on dates that closely corresponded to payments he made to an online seller. He died in early 2017 from “acute fentanyl intoxication.” He had received a package from an online seller just 30 days before his death. Efforts have been made by the U.S. government to screen for the drug in the mail, and legislation has been introduced to make detection of fentanyl easier abroad and domestically. For many people, the best solution for opioid use disorder is medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). A salesperson at a different company, Shunwei Biological, based in Shijiazhuang, said in May that it was still selling two fentanyl precursors and a range of synthetic cannabinoids to customers in the United States. “We are shipping to the U.S. and have success with deliveries to your country and others,” the salesperson said.
Such strips may be used to inform decisions about drug use practices; for example, upon receiving a positive test result, an individual may opt to not use the drugs or use them in a less risky manner. What changed was, in the early 19th century, Friedrich Sertürner isolated the active ingredient in opium, which is morphine. After that, scientists continued to manipulate morphine chemically and created heroin in 1898 – which is 10 to 50 times more potent than morphine. Part of an ongoing national trend tracked by the CDPHE for the past 20 years, Colorado’s trend of overdose deaths mirror those seen nationally. Fentanyl test strips can identify the presence of fentanyl in unregulated drugs.
Why People Look to Buy Fentanyl Online
- Fentanyl can be cut into heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and counterfeit pills with brand names like Vicodin, Oxycontin, Adderall and Xanax.
- Naloxone, sold under the name Narcan, is a prescription medication used to rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
- An investigator on the committee, who was not authorized to speak publicly about the findings, said these represent a tiny fraction of the hundreds of fentanyl-selling sites on the web.
- In Ohio alone, unintentional drug-related overdoses caused the death of 4,050 residents in 2016.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly to a reporter about his work on the case. Most of the chemicals salespeople NPR spoke to for this story did not give their names. Their work could lead to harsh punishment in China, where drug trafficking is punishable by death.
There are various reasons why someone might search for how to buy fentanyl online:
The direct payments from vendors to suppliers, and subsequent payouts from ASAP Market following sales, is shown on the Elliptic Investigator graph below. ASAP Market showing a listing of fentanyl, despite supposedly banning the sale of the drug. Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
- Chronic pain management where traditional prescriptions may not suffice.
- Seeking recreational use due to the drug’s potency.
- Accessibility issues, where local pharmacies may not provide prescribed medications.
Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids have now surpassed heroin and prescription painkillers as the deadliest drugs in the United States. They killed more than 19,000 Americans in 2016, topping heroin (15,000) and prescription opioids (14,000) for the first time. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid and prescription medication renowned for its potency, is employed in medical settings to manage severe pain.
For more information on how to use Fentanyl safely, check out these Fentanyl Use & Overdose Prevention Tips. Ventura County Behavioral Health treatment clinics and programs are licensed by the State Department of Health Care Services. This project was funded by Ventura County Behavioral Health through a grant from the U.S.
The Risks Associated with Buying Fentanyl Online
Purchasing fentanyl online carries numerous risks:
- Legal Consequences: Buying a controlled substance without a prescription can lead to fines or imprisonment.
- Health Risks: Illicitly obtained fentanyl may contain dangerous adulterants or incorrect dosages.
- Cybersecurity Threats: Purchasing from unverified sources can result in exposure to scams or identity theft.
- Lack of Medical Supervision: Using fentanyl without a doctor’s guidance can lead to addiction or overdose.
FAQs about Fentanyl and Online Purchases
Q: What is fentanyl?
A: Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid used medically for pain management but is known for its high potential for abuse and overdose.
Q: Is it safe to buy fentanyl online?
A: No, purchasing fentanyl online from unregulated sources is extremely dangerous and illegal.
Q: What should I do if I’m in pain?
A: If you’re experiencing chronic pain, consult a healthcare professional to explore legal and safe treatment options.
Q: How can I report illegal drug sales?
A: You can report illegal drug activity to local law enforcement or use national resources such as the DEA.
Conclusion
Understanding how to buy fentanyl online comes with an important responsibility to recognize the inherent dangers and legal ramifications involved. The potential for abuse, health risks, and legal consequences far outweigh any perceived benefits. It is always best to seek legal and safe alternatives for pain management and to consult with healthcare professionals for assistance.
