Fentanyl Dealers Are Bypassing Dark Web Restrictions To Sell Deadly Precursors Online: Here’s How
Understanding Dark Web Drug Prices
Mexico’s Security Minister Rosa Rodriguez said in the July meeting of the Trilateral Fentanyl Committee between North American leaders that Mexico was committed to disrupting the operations of fentanyl trafficking organizations. Compared to heroin, it provokes a more intense initial rush of euphoria followed by a stronger state of sedation. The high can wear off sooner, giving way to painful withdrawal for dependent users. First developed in 1959 as an intravenous anesthetic, fentanyl is legally produced and widely used for pain relief.
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.
The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that has gained notoriety for facilitating the trade of illegal goods, including drugs. One of the most common questions among curious individuals and researchers is how much do drugs cost on the dark web? Prices can vary widely based on several factors, including the type of drug, its quality, and the vendor’s reputation.
Whistleblowers in government or industry who don’t want to be identified can use it to flag journalists to practices they see as immoral or illegal. People living in authoritarian regimes may use it to avoid detection while some access it to avoid having their internet use tracked. “[Given that] the dark web is anonymous, it allows for a very easy vehicle in order for people to buy drugs,” Lalande says. In a recent scan of the site, Dream featured roughly 1,000 listings for drugs that ship within Canada, ranging from opium, morphine and fentanyl to ecstasy, ketamine and date-rape drugs. A screenshot of Dream Market, below, shows drugs on offer, including crystal meth, cocaine, hash and MDMA.
Other sections include weapons and ammunition, forged documents and tobacco. James – not his real name – is the editor of DeepDotWeb, a news site which focuses on darknet marketplaces and maintains an up-to-date list of which markets are on or offline. He said the current market was “WAY bigger” than it was in the days of Silk Road. Among the dead are two 13-year-olds, Grant Seaver and Ryan Ainsworth, who died last fall in the wealthy resort town of Park City, Utah, after taking a synthetic opioid known as U or Pinky. The boys had received the powder from another local teenager, who bought the drugs on the dark web using Bitcoin, according to the Park City police chief.
Factors Influencing Drug Prices
As of April, law enforcement in Washington County issued 65 citations compared to Josephine County where police issued 910, according to data from the Oregon Judicial Department. Overdose emergency kits are installed throughout the Blackburn Center in east Portland, May 4, 2023. The 80-bed center, operated by Central City Concern, provides housing for people in recovery, along with health care, employment counseling, addiction treatment and other support services. Residents participate in a behavioral change meeting at the Blackburn Center in east Portland, May 5, 2023. The Farmer’s Market was the first known dark web marketplace, followed by the infamous Silk Road dark web market.
Dursi Martin, who is also in recovery, said when adolescents enter recovery, it’s profound. Jennifer Epstein watches a video about her child’s death from fentanyl, as she speaks on a panel for the Beaverton School District’s Community Conversation about Fentanyl event, May 18, 2023. Epstein’s son, Cal, who attended Beaverton schools, died in 2020 after unknowingly taking fentanyl.
- We present a view about how such services operate and how different entities interact with each other (Figure 1).
- The average yearly cost of an Opioid addiction depends on the severity of the addiction, the location of the individual, and what prescription and Synthetic Opioids are available at the time.
- Dasgupta et al [18] collected opioid listings on Silk Road to analyze the prices of diverted prescription opioids.
- “People worldwide have been stuck at home exploring Tor [an internet browser used to access markets privately] and buying drugs. In January, the markets were hard to access, as they were under permanent attack from hackers. Now, they are operating quicker than ever before.”
There are many imitators of this online drug arena, half of which derived directly from the Silk Road template. But now, the number of websites selling drugs illegally has increased exponentially. Today, there are about 9,300 websites selling drugs illegally on the darkweb. More surprising, perhaps, is that the Dark Web economy roughly maintains that sales volume even after major disasters like thefts, scams, takedowns, and arrests. According to the Carnegie Mellon data, the market quickly recovered after the Silk Road 2 market lost millions of dollars of users’ bitcoins in an apparent hack or theft.
Several key elements determine the prices of drugs on the dark web:
- Type of Drug: Different drugs have different market values. For example, synthetic drugs may be cheaper than natural ones.
- Quality: High-quality products usually cost more than lower-quality versions.
- Vendor Reputation: Established vendors with good reviews can charge higher prices due to trust factors.
- Supply and Demand: Market trends can fluctuate prices; a spike in demand can lead to increased costs.
- Geographical Factors: The location of the buyer and seller can influence shipping costs, which can be reflected in the final price.
Typical Drug Prices
While prices fluctuate, some typical costs for various drugs on the dark web include:
- Cocaine: Prices can range from $60 to $200 per gram.
- MDMA: Typically sold for around $20 to $40 per pill.
- Heroin: Costs can range from $100 to $200 per gram.
- Marijuana: Prices often range from $10 to $30 per gram.
- LSD: Usually priced around $5 to $15 per dose.
Buying on the Dark Web
Purchasing drugs on the dark web involves various steps and risks:
- Accessing the Dark Web: Users need specific software, like Tor, to access dark web marketplaces.
- Choosing a Marketplace: Popular platforms include Silk Road (historically) and other emerging marketplaces.
- Creating an Account: Users must often register and create accounts, sometimes involving cryptocurrency transactions.
- Selecting a Vendor: Look for vendors with high ratings and positive feedback.
- Making Payment: Transactions usually require cryptocurrencies for anonymity.
- Receiving the Product: Buyers must consider shipping times and the risks of package interception.
Risks of Purchasing Drugs on the Dark Web
Engaging in this activity comes with significant risks:
- Legal Consequences: Buying illegal drugs can lead to serious legal repercussions.
- Scams and Fraud: Many buyers encounter scams, leading to financial loss.
- Health Risks: Purchasing unregulated substances can pose severe health hazards.
- Data Privacy: There is a risk of personal information being exposed or misused.
FAQs on Dark Web Drug Prices
Q1: Where can I find reliable price information for drugs on the dark web?
A1: Price information can be found on various forums, drug marketplaces, and user reviews but remains subject to rapid changes.
Q2: Are prices on the dark web generally lower than those on the street?
A2: Prices can be competitive, but the quality must be verified, and additional risks may offset any financial benefits.
Q3: How can I ensure my safety when navigating the dark web?
A3: Use reliable security measures, including VPNs, encrypted communications, and trusted marketplaces.
Conclusion
Understanding how much do drugs cost on the dark web involves exploring various factors influencing drug prices. While some may consider engaging in such activities, it is crucial to remain aware of the risks involved and the potential legal and health consequences associated with purchasing illegal substances online.
