Content
Understanding the Dark Web
The drugs are delivered in the post, so vendor and customer never have to meet in person. Regarding profits, darknet vendors do not have to limit their trading to face-to-face interactions, and can instead sell drugs to a potentially worldwide customer base. More than six years after the demise of Silk Road, the world’s first major drug cryptomarket, the dark web is still home to a thriving trade in illicit drugs. For all of the money spent by police in these investigations, it’s fair to say that the net result from a user’s perspective is simply the inconvenience of a few searches, followed by registration at a new service. The dark web model endures because it offers great efficiencies to dealers and users. But it is hackers demanding ransom money, not police, that’s the main worry for those operating DNMs, says Patrick Shortis.
When the Silk Road was in operation, you could search for it on Tor and get redirected to a signup screen requiring a username and password. That year, Ulbricht was arrested and charged with money laundering, computer hacking, conspiracy to traffic narcotics, and attempting to have at least five people killed because they threatened to reveal the truth behind the Silk Road. Surprisingly, the U.S. government is usually cited as the creator of the dark web to allow spies to communicate with each other anonymously.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. Often associated with illegal activities, it has gained notoriety for facilitating anonymous transactions, including the sale of illicit substances.
You can find legitimate products such as basketball shoes, apparel, research papers, and other items on the dark web. Of course, you can also find plenty of illegal items such as hacked Netflix accounts, stolen Social Security numbers, credit card account numbers, firearms, and drugs, too. This is part one of a series Biometrica plans to do on the dark side of the web. Up next in this series will be an even deeper look at the world of illegal darknet drug trafficking.
Risks Associated with Buying Drugs on the Dark Web
Browsers with the appropriate proxy can reach these sites, but others can’t. Dark web search engines exist, but even the best are challenged to keep up with the constantly shifting landscape. Even one of the best search engines, called Grams, returns results that are repetitive and often irrelevant to the query. Link lists like The Hidden Wiki are another option, but even indices also return a frustrating number of timed-out connections and 404 errors. You can buy credit card numbers, all manner of drugs, guns, counterfeit money, stolen subscription credentials, hacked Netflix accounts and software that helps you break into other people’s computers. Buy login credentials to a $50,000 Bank of America account, counterfeit $20 bills, prepaid debit cards, or a “lifetime” Netflix premium account.
Offline payment is a confidence-building factor for those who do not dare or are unable to pay online and those buying higher-value products. Meanwhile, online payment is widely popular and is usually provided by reputable financial institutions, which can have a confidence-boosting role. Although an option to pay in cryptocurrency is still uncommon in legal e-commerce, there are obvious advantages to paying in cryptocurrency on illegal markets, as this kind of payment path is usually made untraceable by cryptocurrency mixers (Norbutas et al., 2020). However, cryptocurrencies are traceable to varying degrees; for example, Bitcoin is easier to trace than Monero (Bahamazava & Nanda, 2022). Finally, immediate feedback on the payment outcome adds an ultimate confirmation to the customer regarding the payment. The technology and network category includes trust factors regarding the user experience on websites and the smoothness of internet connections.
These are people that do not have a supplier or personal drug connections (likely a result of their young age), that may not have a prescription, or simply do not want to meet a drug dealer in person. The internet allows teens to buy drugs easily and receive them efficiently, without ever having to encounter the dangers a person would through a face-to-face sale. While cryptomarkets have grown in recent years, their future is entirely dependent on a high success rate in order to increase their pool of participants. It has been shown in previous research that a rise in failed transactions is most likely accompanied by a rise in disputes as well as a potential loss of trust between vendor and buyer (Kamphausen & Werse, 2019). In this respect, our results suggest that cryptomarkets may not represent the perfect alternative to sourcing drugs from physical markets during periods of external stresses. Future research should model how other types of stresses (e.g., police interventions) impact upon the success rate of transactions, as well as considering whether transaction success rates do indeed play a role in the long-term expansion of cryptomarkets.
- While the purity of coke and heroin that she bought varied somewhat, it was much easier to avoid fentanyl.
- I am proud to once again co-lead this bipartisan effort to help law enforcement apprehend and convict contraband dealers across the dark web.”
- Thanks to the Tor browser’s layers of encryption and IP scrambling, it’s difficult to track people down on this part of the web.
- We anticipate change, identify future opportunities and are excited by the potential that tomorrow brings.
- U.S. Attorney Rollins; USPIS INC Larco-Ward; HSI SAC Millhollin; Norfolk DA Morrissey; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Jennifer De La O, Director of Field Operations of U.S.
The nature of the dark web is constantly evolving, so the loss of the Silk Road just led to a series of similar marketplaces filling the void. Another security issue of doing business online is the proliferation of exit scams with sites suddenly closing and taking everyone’s funds with them. Tor has many legitimate use cases for those seeking privacy online, or for those prevented from accessing sites due to censorship in any given country.
Purchasing drugs on the dark web carries significant risks, such as:
- Legal Consequences: Engaging in illegal transactions can lead to severe legal repercussions.
- Scams: Many sellers are fraudulent and may take your money without delivering the product.
- Quality Control: The quality and safety of drugs purchased are often questionable.
- Security Risks: Exposure to malware and hacking attempts is common on the dark web.
Silk Road And Early Markets
How to Buy Drugs on the Dark Web
For those who may still be interested, understanding the general process is essential. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Set Up a Secure Environment:
- Use a VPN to mask your IP address.
- Consider using a dedicated device that is not linked to your personal information.
- Access the Dark Web:
- Download the Tor Browser. This will allow you to access websites with .onion domains.
- Change your security settings on Tor to enhance anonymity.
- Find a Marketplace:
- Research dark web marketplaces. Popular options often include forums or websites dedicated specifically to drug sales.
- Check reviews and feedback from users to ensure the site is reputable.
- Create an Account:
- Register on your chosen marketplace, using an anonymous username and avoid personal information.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if available to enhance account security.
- Add Cryptocurrency:
- Set up a cryptocurrency wallet, such as Bitcoin or Monero.
- Purchase cryptocurrency through a legitimate exchange to fund your account.
- Make a Purchase:
- Browse listings for drugs and choose a seller with good ratings.
- Select the amount and read the product descriptions carefully.
- Proceed to checkout and use cryptocurrency for payment.
- Securely Receive Your Order:
- Choose a discreet delivery method.
- Be cautious when opening the package and avoid revealing any personal information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to buy drugs on the dark web?
No, purchasing drugs on the dark web is illegal in most jurisdictions and can lead to criminal charges.
How can I avoid being scammed?
Research sellers, read reviews, and start with smaller purchases to gauge reliability before committing to larger transactions.
What should I do if I get caught?
Seek legal representation immediately and refrain from discussing the matter until you have professional advice.
Are there safer alternatives to buying drugs?
Consider speaking with a medical professional or therapist for guidance regarding substance use or addiction.
Conclusion
While understanding how to buy drugs on the dark web may be insightful, it is crucial to recognize the associated risks and legal implications. Always prioritize safety and legality over anonymity and risk.
