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Understanding Darknet Markets
- Finally, we used natural language processing techniques to extract opioid trading information to characterize underground opioid commodities, suppliers, and transactions.
- They might start feeling nauseous and sweating and chills, and vomiting and anxiety, and they crave their medication again.
- The end result is packaged wholesale into powdered bricks that are extremely diluted, 6 to 7 percent typically, and smuggled across the border.
- Undercover purchases and package intercepts eventually unmasked the dealer.
- Local, state, and other federal agencies also contributed to Operation Dark HunTor investigations through task force participation and regional partnerships.
Dark web takedowns by cross-border law enforcement operations have a significant impact on the availability of opioids, in particular the lethal drug fentanyl, according to a new report from The Australian National University (ANU). The use of postal and parcel services to transport drugs has expanded rapidly in the past two years, posing added dilemmas for law enforcement agencies. Shaughnessy was caught through an undercover operation by Homeland Security, according to the DOJ.
The darknet is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It is commonly associated with illegal activities, including drug trafficking. Among the substances traded in these online marketplaces, fentanyl is one of the most concerning.
They’re shopping for drugs on the so-called dark net, accessible not through traditional search engines but by way of special browsers and software that conceal IP addresses and make users harder to trace. Flashpoint analysts conducted a limited study into the locations of various underground fentanyl vendors using data included in their listings. Most listings for fentanyl indicate where the order ships from and where products can be shipped. Our analysis has revealed that dark web vendors have purchased fentanyl to the tune of $0.5 million from dealers. Though this is dwarfed by the direct export trade – which exceeds $32 million in crypto – there nevertheless remains some key implications for countering the trade in fentanyl. It is important to note that the use of these drugs can lead to addiction and other health problems.
Law enforcement recovered kilogram quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin from business and storage locations in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and New York City. Peck possessed a list of more than 6,000 customers living across the United States. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida is prosecuting the case.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is significantly stronger than morphine. It is used medically for pain relief but has gained notoriety due to its role in the opioid epidemic. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, making it incredibly dangerous.
It’s clear that criminal activity on the dark web continues to grow and thrive. So, the takeaway is that you should continue to strengthen your security posture to defend against potential attacks. The Elliptic report notes that the tens of millions of dollars worth of precursor sales it tracked on blockchains would likely be enough to manufacture enough fentanyl to, if distributed efficiently, kill every person on earth.
In our study, we found that 23.78% (9896/41,614) listings and traces were identified with the help of 58 opioid jargons (Table 2). Among them, suboxone and subutex medicines are most frequently mentioned by 2917 times in listings and traces in 10 platforms, followed by roxy series (ie, roxy, roxi, roxies, and roxys) with 2022 times and Lean with 1256 times. Both K9 and M30 were mostly found in Darkbay, within 384 listings in the year 2020, whereas Lean appeared 141 times in Empire listings. “The markets response to law enforcement can be seen to be like the game whack-a-mole, with markets popping up somewhere else if one is closed down. Inspectors made another undercover buy in November 2017, trading bitcoin for 600 milligrams of fentanyl, again having it sent to a location controlled by inspectors.
Government partners and foreign counterparts, will continue to target and pursue accountability for foreign illicit drug actors. In addition, persons that engage in certain transactions with the individuals and entities designated today may themselves be exposed to sanctions or subject to an enforcement action. The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC’s ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List), but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law.
What Darknet Markets Sell Fentanyl?
Several darknet markets have been reported to facilitate the sale of fentanyl. These platforms can often go offline, but some of the most notable markets include:
- Silk Road 3.0 – An evolution of the original Silk Road, this market has been known for selling various drugs, including fentanyl.
- Dream Market – Although it had closed down, it was once a popular site for purchasing fentanyl and other narcotics.
- DarkMarket – Another well-known marketplace that listed a variety of drugs, including potent opioids.
- Empire Market – A significant player in the darknet drug trade, including fentanyl sales.
- Tor Market – Catering to various users, this platform featured listings for fentanyl.
How Fentanyl is Sold on Darknet Markets
On these platforms, fentanyl is typically sold in several forms, including:
- Pills – Often disguised as legitimate medications.
- Powder – Pure fentanyl or mixed with other substances.
- Fentanyl-laced drugs – Such as heroin or cocaine, to increase potency.
Risks of Purchasing Fentanyl on Darknet Markets
Buying fentanyl from darknet markets presents significant risks:
- Legal Consequences: Purchasing illegal substances can lead to severe legal repercussions.
- Health Risks: The potency and quality of fentanyl can vary greatly, leading to overdose and death.
- Scams: Many vendors are untrustworthy, and there is a risk of receiving low-quality or fake products.
FAQs
Can I safely buy fentanyl from darknet markets?
No, purchasing fentanyl from darknet markets is highly risky and illegal. It poses serious health and legal threats.
Is fentanyl easily accessible on the darknet?
Fentanyl is often available on various darknet markets, but availability can change frequently due to law enforcement and market dynamics.
What should I do if I or someone I know is struggling with fentanyl addiction?
Seek help from healthcare professionals or addiction support services. Treatment options are available for opioid addiction.
Conclusion
The presence of fentanyl on darknet markets is part of a larger societal issue surrounding drug abuse and trafficking. Awareness and education are key in combating this crisis and protecting individuals from the dangers associated with illicit drug use.
