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Addictions
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. The dark web is often associated with illegal activities, including the trade of illicit substances.
A separate criminal complaint was also unsealed today, charging Irvin Hernandez with being a member of the same door-to-door drug delivery conspiracy. These first two counts relate to Hernandez’s alleged activities on the dark web starting in January 2013. Still, wherever you have anonymous traffic on hidden networks, the criminal activity will follow. The dark web, which can only be accessed on browsers like Tor that mask the location of the device, is used as a “secret club for criminals”, where cryptocurrency can be used to buy drugs, he said.
Account takeover and fraud are common outcomes seen in mobile malware attacks. The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing. If one of our articles is marked with a ‘reviewed for accuracy and expertise’ badge, it indicates that one or more members of our team of doctors and clinicians have reviewed the article further to ensure accuracy. This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure FHE Health is trusted as a leader in mental health and addiction care. District Court Judge William J. Martinez on November 22, 2019, to 51/2 years in prison and 4 years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft.
According to a report by the Digital Citizens Alliance, there are now 45,000 drugs products for sale on these sites. 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.
How to Access the Dark Web
About a dozen of the site’s top drug dealers were arrested soon after the takeover, others are still under investigation. Similarly, the dark web is ill-suited to drugs like heroin or meth, whose heavily addicted users usually can’t wait the relatively long times—often weeks—it takes from purchase to delivery, nor have the mental energy to deal with bitcoins. You don’t know how good an illegal drug is until you consume it, and you can’t turn to the law to enforce agreements, return a substandard product, or complain to your dealer if he tries to rob you. That prevents price discovery and risk compensation, key features of a well-functioning market. The original Silk Road offered a crude currency-risk hedging option, but most bazaars today don’t.
Before exploring how to buy drugs on the dark web, users need to understand how to access it securely:
- Download a secure browser such as Tor.
- Use a reliable VPN service for added privacy.
- Ensure that your operating system is updated and secure.
The illicit drugs were purchased on the dark web by Jeremy Kalicum and Eris Nyx. Together, they founded the Drug User Liberation Front, or DULF as it’s more commonly known. As with everything else during the years of the Covid-19 pandemic, contactless drug peddling was identified as an accelerating trend.
Patterns recommended to avoid include hiring hitmen like Dread Pirate Roberts, and sharing handles for software questions on sites like Stack Exchange. Nicholas Christin, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who conducted six months of research into the site, said that what surprised him most was how “normal” it was. “To me, the most surprising thing was how normal, when you set aside the goods being sold, the whole market appears to be,” he said. And, while many people would be alarmed at the prospect of their teenagers buying drugs online, Silk Road was a whole lot more professional, regulated and controlled than buying drugs offline. According to Mr Martin, the drug trade may be experiencing the equivalent of the online retail boom of the 1990s, when department stores downplayed the threat posed by insurgent e-tailers. Those department stores have since built websites of their own—or gone out of business.
Dylan McMikle admitted selling fentanyl to a 25-year-old Sikeston man who died later that day. The United States leads the world in the cryptomarket-share of drugs being sold on the dark web, followed by the UK and Australia. He adds that he has tested MDMA friends have purchased from the dark web that turned out to be composed of entirely different drugs. “I certainly have tested other people’s drugs that are impure”, though, he says. To find other drugs, Doe says that the search process can be more of a “gamble”.
Finding Marketplaces
Once on the dark web, you need to navigate to various marketplaces that facilitate drug sales. Always exercise caution and verify the authenticity of these platforms:
- Look for user reviews and feedback.
- Choose well-known marketplaces to enhance security.
- Be wary of scams and counterfeit products.
How to Buy Drugs on the Dark Web
Buying drugs on the dark web involves several steps, requiring patience, discretion, and careful planning:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Create a Secure Digital Identity: Use pseudonyms and avoid using any personal information.
- Fund Your Account: Most marketplaces use cryptocurrencies. Set up a digital wallet and acquire Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies.
- Browse Listings: Explore product listings while keeping an eye on prices and reviews.
- Check Seller Feedback: Ensure that the seller has a good reputation by reading past buyer experiences.
- Make a Purchase: Follow the marketplace protocol to place your order securely.
Payment Methods
Most transactions on the dark web are carried out through cryptocurrencies for anonymity:
- Bitcoin
- Monero
- Ethereum
Safety and Security Considerations
Prioritizing safety is crucial when navigating the dark web:
- Drug sales on the dark web now amount to 315 million dollars annually, up from 80 million dollars annually just in 2017.
- Despite never reaching the peak trading volumes of its more-famous cousins, Silk Road or AlphaBay, White House Market had established itself as one of the most popular—and secure—markets on the dark web.
- Based on the answers to the related questions, we can highlight the most important trust factors in illegal trade.
- The nature of the dark web is constantly evolving, so the loss of the Silk Road just led to a series of similar marketplaces filling the void.
- The Daily Dot doesn’t recommend or endorse the purchase of illicit substances, contraband, or any other illegal goods.
- Use multi-factor authentication on your digital wallet.
- Regularly update your security software.
- Do not discuss your activities on public forums or social media.
Legal Risks
Engaging in illegal activities on the dark web, including buying drugs, carries significant legal risks:
- Be aware of the laws in your jurisdiction.
- Consider the possibility of arrest and prosecution.
- Understand the consequences of purchasing illegal substances.
FAQs
Is it safe to buy drugs on the dark web?
Buying drugs on the dark web is inherently risky, both from a legal and security standpoint. There is a high chance of scams or receiving counterfeit products.
What types of drugs can be found on the dark web?
A variety of illicit substances, including cocaine, heroin, MDMA, and marijuana, can be found on different marketplaces.
Can I be tracked while buying drugs on the dark web?
While using Tor and a VPN adds layers of anonymity, no method is foolproof. Sophisticated tracking techniques can still expose users to law enforcement.
What should I do if I receive nothing after payment?
If you do not receive your order, contact the seller if possible. Some marketplaces offer buyer protection policies, but there is no guarantee of recovery.
