Study: The Dark Web Is The Safest Place To Buy Illegal Drugs
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web comprises a portion of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. Accessing it typically requires specific software, such as Tor, which enables users to browse anonymously.
Only a tiny portion of the internet is accessible through a standard web browser—generally known as the “clear web”. The terms “deep web” and “dark web” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Deep web refers to anything on the internet that is not indexed by and, therefore, accessible via a search engine like Google. Deep web content includes anything behind a paywall or requires sign-in credentials. It also includes any content that its owners have blocked web crawlers from indexing.
Why Do People Turn to the Dark Web?
“Even during the criminal acts they’re offering services, and it is important to them you would have a good experience.” “They might be sharing in their Snapchat or TikTok or whatever they’re posting that they’re suffering from anxiety or things going on in their life and again groups or accounts troll on this and then go after them,” Feinberg explained. “Before you know it, they’re leading them down the path to these illegal drugs.” These insights help us understand why the dark web is increasingly attractive, not only to consumers of illicit drugs but to the people who supply them. Some respondents said that being protected from physical risk on the dark web is not only a benefit for existing drug suppliers, but may also make the activity attractive to people who would not otherwise be willing to sell drugs. 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.
Individuals may seek out the dark web for various reasons:
- Privacy and anonymity
- Access to restricted information
- Engagement in illegal activities
Officials spoke with former drug users and sellers and families of overdose victims for the report. Compared with legal online markets, trust in cryptomarkets lies more with sellers than with the platform on which they operate. Exit scams and police takedowns mean no site becomes dominant, and customers are resigned to none lasting long.
Buyers tend to have accounts on multiple markets and to jump ship as soon as things go wrong. Grams, a dark-web search engine modelled on Google, allows punters to hunt for bargains across different markets, further eroding sites’ ability to gain market share. Its logo even mimics the internet giant’s colour palette, and Grams Trends lets users see what other people have been searching for (mostly marijuana). Dedicated forums and dark-web news sites keep track of which websites are active, and recommend specific dealers. Drug sales on the dark web now amount to 315 million dollars annually, up from 80 million dollars annually just in 2017.
The research described in this article was funded by NIJ grant 2013-MU-CX-K003, awarded to the RAND Corporation. The workshop activities underlying the report were supported by RAND in partnership with PERF, on behalf of NIJ. The program is part of the Priority Criminal Justice Needs Initiative of NIJ in partnership with RAND, PERF, RTI International, and the University of Denver. Workshop participants related a need for guidance from federal partners on how to manage privacy concerns during investigations. Although not identified as a top priority, participants also identified a need for research to understand how much privacy citizens would sacrifice in order to gain security.
- The upper layer contains all web pages indexed by search engines like Google, the Renaissance Recovery website, for example.
- A Quartz summer intern said that at his university, different frat houses had agreements to receive each other’s drug shipments.
- Remember, the misuse of drugs can also include the use of both prescription and non-prescription drugs – like cough syrup.
- Stolen personal data — which can lead to identity theft — is also a big commodity.
- This opaqueness makes the flash of blood impossible to see, so you never quite know whether you’ve hit a vein.
How to Buy Drugs on the Dark Web
As alleged, defendant Edison Hernandez was a highly rated vendor of illegal narcotics on Silk Road, AlphaBay, Dream Market and Wall Street Market. From January 2013 until April 2019, Hernandez advertised and sold heroin and cocaine to customers in the United States through these dark web marketplaces. Vendors and buyers on dark web marketplaces typically operated under anonymous monikers.
According to the B.C Coroner Service, six people are dying everyday from toxic illicit drugs, with 2021 beingthe deadliest year on record in the province as there were 2,224 deaths. Not only do you get automated monitoring, but your security analysts get contextualized alerts about dark web threats. From leaked credentials or stolen company data for sale and signs of targeted attacks, Flare provides comprehensive dark web threat detection. In the wake of Hydra market’s collapse in 2022, new markets quickly swooped in to try and replace it. Is an English and Russian language marketplace that seems to have captured many of Hydra’s former vendors and consumers. Russian Market is a hacker-focused website with high volumes of stolen information available.
Acquiring illegal substances on the dark web involves several critical steps:
- Set Up Your System
- Download and install Tor Browser.
- Utilize a VPN for additional protection.
- Accessing the Dark Web
- Open Tor Browser.
- Visit websites that host hidden services.
- Finding a Marketplace
- Creating an Account
- Register for an account.
- Consider using a pseudonym and secure password.
- Using Cryptocurrency
- Acquire Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency.
- Transfer your funds to your marketplace wallet.
- Searching for Products
- Making a Purchase
- Follow the site’s guidelines for payment.
- Consider using an escrow service for safer transactions.
- Shipping and Delivery
- Utilize false names and addresses.
- Select a delivery method that allows for confidentiality.
To ensure privacy:
After securing your system:
Search for trustworthy dark web marketplaces. Verified reviews on forums can help identify reputable sources.
Once a marketplace is found:
Before making purchases:
Navigate through the marketplace to find the desired drugs. Ensure the seller has good ratings.
Once the product is selected:
Be discreet in shipping options to avoid detection.
Risks Involved
Purchasing drugs on the dark web is fraught with risks, such as –
- Legal consequences
- Possibility of scams
- Health risks associated with illicit drugs
FAQs
Is it safe to buy drugs on the dark web?
There are significant risks involved, including legal repercussions and potential scams. Caution is essential.
What payment methods are accepted?
Most marketplaces require cryptocurrency to maintain anonymity, with Bitcoin being the most common.
How can I ensure my anonymity?
Using a VPN, Tor Browser, and practicing safe online habits can help preserve your anonymity.
Can I get caught buying drugs online?
Yes, law enforcement agencies actively monitor dark web activities, and purchasing illegal drugs can lead to serious legal consequences.
