Drug Dealing On Facebook, Snapchat And Instagram: A Qualitative Analysis Of Novel Drug Markets In The Nordic Countries
Understanding the Darknet
The value of these markets was estimated by the UNODC in September of 2018 to stand at $14 million (£11 million) to $25 million (£20 million) per month – a tiny fraction of overall illicit drug sales. Still, the EU has funded a three-year, €5 million (£4.5 million) project, project, TITANIUM, with the aim of de-anonymising criminal bitcoin users and providing “court-proof” evidence of underground market activity. Usually, it takes a few weeks for buyers to transfer to alternative or new sites. When cops shut that site, they knew users would migrate to any service they could – and many fed to Hansa market, which the cops had seized and allowed to continue operating so they could capture user data. As alleged, defendant Edison Hernandez was a highly rated vendor of illegal narcotics on Silk Road, AlphaBay, Dream Market and Wall Street Market.
The other advantage of not having to be in the same location is that drug dealers who sell over the dark web do not need a critical mass of customers to sustain themselves like they do with a localized market. And, as with other online marketplaces, customers can also view feedback about the quality of drugs sold by suppliers, once again making it all the more easier for the illegal drug market to thrive. The “Fentmaster,” who attended medical school before he turned into a darknet drug dealer, shipped these drugs to customers throughout the country using the U.S. He used extensive measures to conceal his identity, including software to encrypt his internet traffic and the communications sent from his cellphone.
My sources agree that unwanted fentanyl is found in lower levels in drugs bought online compared with street drugs. Due to the in-depth review system and the incentive to provide good quality, reliable products in a highly competitive open market, some would argue that the Dark Web even makes drug taking safer. 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. As you can see from the Global Drug Survey 2017, Finland easily has the most dark web users purchasing drugs, with nearly half of their respondents insisting they’ve done it before. You may know someone who knows someone, or you may just experiment and get lucky. For those who can, surfing the dark web to find a vendor, or asking someone you know to do it, is an option.
- Approximately 90% of all websites are on the deep web, and many are used by entities such as corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits.
- Regardless of how vendors try to conceal their fentanyl listings on the dark web, their activities can nevertheless be exposed through blockchain analytics.
- 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.
- “A lot of teenage kids are buying their drugs on the dark net,” Det Carbery told a national prosecutor’s conference on Saturday.
Of all listings (excluding those selling drugs), 60% could potentially harm enterprises. Mercifully, the escrow system now largely keeps dealers from pulling these sorts of tricks (they don’t get paid until the product arrives, after all). Buying directly from an online dealer—as opposed to through one of the marketplaces—is generally inadvisable. There’s no escrow system when you do that and, therefore, no guarantee they’ll actually send you something. It’s a fact that young people will decide to experiment with drug use during their university years, so arguably the primary concern must be to optimise their safety. I would argue that the economic principles behind the Dark Web drug markets do just that.
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. 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 darknet refers to the part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It is accessible only through specific software, such as Tor, which allows users to browse anonymously.
Users of the dark web employ technology to obfuscate their identity, including the Tor browser, which routes users through multiple relays to hide their locations and IP addresses. They also typically use a virtual private network (VPN), which creates a secure “tunnel” for sending and receiving data across shared or public networks by configuring their computing devices as if they were directly connected by a private network. In a recent ABC News interview, Drug Enforcement Administration agent Tim Stover explained, “It’s all done from the comfort of your home… [and] the anonymity of the Internet.” Like behind-the-screen drug dealers, teens can easily cover up their tracks. In 2021, at least 1,881 Coloradans died of a drug overdose and roughly half of those people died of fentanyl, according to state data.
Toxicology experts contend that one cannot overdose from simply touching the substance and this reported risk may cause unnecessary stress on first responders and law enforcement. Substance abuse experts also worry that misinformation regarding the potency of fentanyl further stigmatizes people who use opioids. 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. The website was linked to the cryptocurrency mixer Helix, and because of that its creator was charged with money laundering conspiracy by a US court in the last month. At Ulbricht’s trial, his lawyers argued the dark web made drug dealing safer.
The other clear and present danger is being uncertain of what you’re getting when you buy from an anonymous dealer online. Another security issue of doing business online is the proliferation of exit scams with sites suddenly closing and taking everyone’s funds with them. Beyond this, most marketplaces will hold funds in escrow until the product arrives. This gives you some redress, even if resolving a dispute is not straightforward. Despite all of the anonymizing features making up the dark web, using your credit card to buy drugs leaves an obvious and easily traceable footprint.
Why Do People Use the Darknet?
Individuals turn to the darknet for various reasons, including:
- Privacy concerns
- Access to restricted goods or services
- Freedom of speech in oppressive regimes
How to Buy Drugs on the Darknet
Purchasing illegal substances on the darknet involves several steps that require caution and careful planning.
1. Obtain Necessary Software
The first step in learning how to buy drugs on the darknet is to download the appropriate software:
- Tor Browser: This browser enables anonymous internet access and is essential for visiting darknet websites.
- VPN Service: A reliable virtual private network can add an extra layer of security to your internet connection.
2. Accessing Darknet Markets
Once the necessary software is installed:
- Open the Tor browser and navigate to reputable darknet market links, typically shared on forums or through word of mouth.
- Look for marketplaces that have positive user reviews and a strong reputation.
3. Setting Up an Account
To make purchases:
- Create an account on the chosen marketplace. You may need to provide a username and password.
- Consider using an anonymous email service to protect your identity.
4. Funding Your Purchases
Most darknet markets operate on cryptocurrency. Follow these steps:
- Choose a Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin is the most commonly used, but other options like Monero offer enhanced privacy.
- Create a Wallet: Set up a digital wallet to store your cryptocurrency securely.
- Buy Cryptocurrency: Use a reputable exchange to purchase the required amount.
5. Making a Purchase
When ready to buy, follow these steps:
- Browse the marketplace for the drugs you wish to purchase.
- Check reviews and ratings for sellers to ensure reliability.
- Select the item, add it to your cart, and proceed to checkout.
- Complete the transaction using your cryptocurrency wallet.
- Review the seller’s shipping policies and estimated delivery times.
6. Ensuring Your Safety and Privacy
Safety is paramount when engaging in darknet transactions:
- Never share personal information.
- Consider using a po box or a friend’s address for shipping.
- Research escrow services that protect buyers until the product is received.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the risks involved in buying drugs on the darknet?
Risks include legal consequences, financial fraud, and potential safety threats, including receiving counterfeit products.
Is it legal to buy drugs on the darknet?
In most countries, purchasing illegal substances via the darknet is against the law and can lead to severe penalties.
How do I know if a seller is trustworthy?
Check user reviews, seller ratings, and the number of previous transactions to gauge a seller’s reliability.
What is the role of cryptocurrency in darknet transactions?
Cryptocurrency provides anonymity and security, making it the preferred payment method for illegal transactions on the darknet.
Conclusion
Engaging in illegal activities, such as buying drugs on the darknet, poses significant risks and consequences. Understanding the complexities of this process is crucial for those who seek information, but it is essential to consider the legal and ethical implications of such actions.
