Lost On The Silk Road: Online Drug Distribution And The ‘cryptomarket’
Understanding the Darknet: A Hidden Marketplace
However, the effectiveness of the recommended regulatory measures, law enforcement interventions, and prevention methods among actual darknet market users is questionable and should be further examined by future research. Darknet markets, also known as cryptomarkets, are websites located on the Darknet and designed to allow the trafficking of illicit products, mainly drugs. This study aims at presenting the added value of combining digital, chemical and physical information to reconstruct sellers’ activities.
I got in touch with “DrugsHeaven” on the site’s internal email system. He or she was based overseas, but the vendor page advertised “excellent and consistent top quality weed & hash for a fair price”. It’s the customer reviews, not clever encryption, that’s the oil in the machine, the key to understanding how these markets tick. All the vendors use pseudonyms, but they keep the same fake name to build up their reputation. Because it’s so easy for buyers to switch allegiance to any one of 900 competitors at any moment, the vendors are forced to compete for custom. The only way to get it is by having a good history of positive feedback from other users.
The darknet is a segment of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It is often associated with various illicit activities, including the ability to buy drugs on darknet platforms. This article explores the mechanisms, risks, and considerations of engaging in such activities.
Regarding policy implications, the findings suggest that emphasizing the risks that consumers are exposed to concerning theft, fraud, fake sites, and products could facilitate crime prevention. For example, warnings about scammers could directly influence the activity of vendors and customers on a given darknet market (Howell et al., 2022). The target group of the research, composed of potential customers, ranked the reliable delivery of goods (TF 18) as the most important trust factor when buying illicit drugs on the darknet. Although this survey study was not conducted among actual darknet market users, our findings and its extensive support by previous literature suggest that delivery issues indeed drive the recent stall in the volume of the darknet drug trade. Furthermore, examining the postal and other delivery services, including packet inspection methods and delivery protocols, could facilitate the evidence-based re-evaluation of delivery regulations and could ultimately affect customers’ decisions. Ultimately, reforming the protocols of delivery service providers and implementing targeted risk awareness campaigns could reduce both the supply and demand on darknet markets by influencing customers’ and vendors’ delivery-related risk perception.
How the Darknet Works
COVID-19 has certainly made it more difficult for some regular users to obtain the drugs they are addicted to. Manufacturing, supply chains and local dealer’s supplies have all been disrupted to some extent, due to the pandemic. The United States leads the world in the cryptomarket-share of drugs being sold on the dark web, followed by the UK and Australia. The gist of the buying process involves downloading ‘Tor’, or a similar browser, acquiring some cryptocurrency (which is typically required to make purchases), and then finding the right URLs to connect with legitimate sellers.
The second implication is how these risks are assessed and uncovered. Regardless of how vendors try to conceal their fentanyl listings on the dark web, their activities can nevertheless be exposed through blockchain analytics. Our research shows that it is likely that some Chinese brokers are actively involved in the sale of chemicals on the darknet. For example, we identified sellers on Incognito Market that shipped from China a number of the chemicals that are offered by most of the Chinese suppliers we studied. One dark web marketplace – the since-retired “ASAP Market” – was particularly selective about enforcing its apparent “no fentanyl” policy.
The darknet functions through anonymous networks, primarily accessed using specific software like Tor. This anonymity appeals to both buyers and sellers of illicit products:
- Anonymity: Users can navigate these spaces without revealing their identity.
- Encryption: Communication is encrypted, ensuring user security against potential law enforcement monitoring.
- Decentralization: Many marketplaces operate independently and can quickly disappear or reappear under new domains.
He and his coauthor, Kyle Soska, recently scraped data (pdf) on transactions and prices from 35 different drug bazaars between 2013 to 2015, in order to see how the market had evolved post-Silk Road. The dealer, Paul (not his real name), explained how much easier it is to do business if he orders his supply over the web. In some ways, it’s safer—he can buy a wider range of cannabis, gets more consistent quality, doesn’t have to personally interact with his suppliers, and it’s quick and easy. But getting large amounts of marijuana shipped to him through the mail remains a major source of risk. To minimize it he employs a third party—a facilitator—to handle the delivery. What parents need to know is that a child can buy prescription drugs online without ever showing proof of age or a patient prescription.
Steps to Buy Drugs on the Darknet
Aware of that fact, well-regarded sellers will take measures to ensure that their products are well-concealed and packaged. Often, that will include sealing products in ‘mylar’ – polyester film or plastic sheet – to prevent detection by police sniffer dogs and x-rays. Operating under the alias Dread Pirate Roberts, Ulbricht made a commission on all drug sales. When the site was shut down for good by the FBI, the agency seized over 144,000 bitcoins. If the FBI still has those bitcoins, they would now be worth over $4.5 billion. Although dark web search engines exist, they find it hard to keep up with the continuously shifting landscape.
While purchasing illegal drugs online is extremely risky, understanding the process can illuminate the challenges faced:
- Acquire Cryptocurrency: Most transactions on the darknet are conducted using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which provide a degree of anonymity.
- Set Up a Secure Environment: Use VPNs and secure browsers like Tor to protect your identity.
- Locate a Marketplace: Look for established darknet marketplaces where drug sales are facilitated.
- Evaluate Vendors: Check reviews and ratings to find trustworthy sellers to minimize risks.
- Make a Purchase: Follow the seller’s guidelines to complete the transaction discreetly.
- Safe Delivery: Be aware of shipping methods that avoid detection, such as using a separate mailing address.
Risks Associated with Buying Drugs on the Darknet
Engaging in transactions on the darknet carries significant risks, including:
- Legal Consequences: Possession and use of illicit drugs can lead to severe legal penalties.
- Scams and Fraud: Many vendors may not deliver what they promise, leading to financial loss.
- Health Risks: Products sold may be adulterated or unsafe, posing serious health hazards.
- Data Security: Risk of being hacked or surveilled, compromising personal information.
FAQs about Buying Drugs on the Darknet
Is it safe to buy drugs on the darknet?
No, while the darknet offers anonymity, it is fraught with legal and safety risks.
What payment methods are accepted?
Most darknet vendors only accept cryptocurrency to maintain anonymity.
Can I be tracked if I buy drugs on the darknet?
While the darknet provides some anonymity, law enforcement agencies possess advanced tracking technologies, increasing the risk of detection.
Are there age restrictions for buying drugs on the darknet?
There are no official age restrictions; however, selling and buying illegal drugs are against the law, regardless of age.
- Mr Christin and Kyle Soska, another cyber-security expert, found that the share of vendors using PGP encryption jumped from about 25% in July 2013 to over 90% in January 2015.
- Law enforcement agencies around the world — but especially in the US — have started to take a keen interest in what takes place in this strange encrypted internet and are certainly getting better at infiltrating and shutting down these sites.
- For many dark-web sites, that software is Tor, originally developed by the US government to protect intelligence information.
- Tor is software that’ll allow you to browse the internet anonymously without rousing the suspicion of your local FBI agents.
- The dark web is used for a range of illicit activities, particularly the exchange of child exploitation material and illicit drugs.
Conclusion
The ability to buy drugs on darknet presents a complex landscape filled with both allure and peril. It is essential for individuals to weigh the risks and consequences before engaging in such activities. Knowledge of the environment, along with a clear understanding of the legal implications, can help in making informed decisions.
