Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid that is increasingly being sold on darknet markets. It is often mixed with other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit pills, making it difficult for users to know what they are actually taking. This has led to a significant increase in overdose deaths in recent years.
Which Darknet Markets Sell Fentanyl?
AlphaBay
While it is difficult to determine the exact number of darknet markets that sell fentanyl, some of the most popular ones include:
- Dream Market
- Wall Street Market
- Valhalla Marketplace
- Silk Road 3.1
The feds believed sinmed laundered 2.3 million dollars in cryptocurrency selling them through Dream Market and using the laundering method over a two-year period. Chester was charged with selling controlled substances and identity theft and Jarrette and Ronald were faced with conspiracy and money-laundering charges. The 2-year-old law enforcement action, code named “Operation SpecTor,” spanned three continents and involved the collaboration of eight countries. It was part of a Justice Department initiative led by the FBI known as JCODE, which aims to dismantle darknet marketplaces that sell drugs and other illegal goods. The growth in inflows to darknet markets, when combined with the relative ease with which vendors skirt nominal prohibitions on the sale of fentanyl, emphasize the continued importance of government and law enforcement surveillance. The Chainalysis Reactor graph below showcases the on-chain complexity of Peijnenburg’s and Grimm’s operation, and some of their direct overlapping transactions involving darknet markets and research chemicals stores.
He has advised numerous international organizations, public and private sector entities on future crime issues. The rise of narcotics in Darknet markets is a significant problem that requires urgent attention. The use of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology has made it easier for dealers to operate anonymously, and the availability of drugs has increased. The challenges of regulation and the need for international cooperation make it a complex issue that requires a coordinated effort to tackle. “His buyers purchased the drugs on dark web marketplaces using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, and Mr. Shaughnessy shipped the drugs to their addresses in the Dallas area and all over the world,” the release stated.
What Types of Fentanyl are Sold on Darknet Markets?
Journal Of Medical Internet Research
Fentanyl is sold in various forms on darknet markets, including:
- Our research collected product listings and forum posts from 10 anonymous online market places and 6 forums.
- Investigators used Bitcoin to purchase more than 450 pills McKernan said were oxycodone last year.
- “The courts haven’t seen much of it here in Canada. They’re fairly new kinds of investigations that police are just sort of understanding,” Lalande says.
The street dealers then call it whatever they want, leaving most customers completely unaware that the drug they just bought is actually fentanyl. Mexican drug cartels often take bulk pure fentanyl from China and then cut it with any number of substances, from heroin to cocaine to methamphetamine to cheap fillers such as sugar and acetominophen. In 2016, fentanyl-type drugs were responsible for killing nearly 20,000 people in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Powder
- Tablets
- Patches
- Sprays
How is Fentanyl Trafficked on Darknet Markets?
Study Shows Coral Deaths Continue To Rise
Fentanyl is typically trafficked on darknet markets through the use of encrypted messaging services and anonymous shipping methods. Vendors often use fake names and addresses to avoid detection, and packages are typically shipped in plain, unmarked envelopes.
Is Buying Fentanyl on Darknet Markets Safe?
No. Buying fentanyl on darknet markets is not safe. Not only is it illegal, but it is also extremely dangerous due to the potency of the drug. It is also difficult to know exactly what is in the product being purchased, as it may be mixed with other substances or contain a higher concentration of fentanyl than expected.
FAQs
- What is fentanyl? Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50-100 times stronger.
- Why is fentanyl dangerous? Fentanyl is dangerous because it is highly potent and can be deadly even in small doses. It is also often mixed with other drugs, making it difficult for users to know what they are actually taking.
- How is fentanyl detected? Fentanyl can be detected using specialized testing equipment and techniques, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
- Is buying fentanyl on darknet markets illegal? Yes, buying fentanyl on darknet markets is illegal and can result in serious legal consequences.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please seek help immediately. There are many resources available, including:
- National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- SAMHSA Treatment Locator: https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/
- NIDA Drug Information Hotline: 1-800-662-NIDA (6432)
Remember, it is never too late to seek help and start on the road to recovery.
