Drugs
In the summer of 2017, Dream market, the second-biggest at that time, had just 48,000 deals. In May, German police shut down Wall Street Market, a thriving marketplace that had more than 63,000 deals and 5,400 sellers, with over 1 million users worldwide. It was a resource-heavy operation, involving hundreds of separate investigations by five EU and US agencies. A few weeks before, Dream – the longest running and largest market – was closed under mysterious circumstances. So once your drugs arrive, you should always test them before use—even if you trust the person who sent them. Preferably, that means having someone on hand with naloxone, which has saved my life more than once.
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires special software to access, such as Tor. This hidden part of the web is known for a variety of illegal activities, including the purchase of controlled substances.
One reason is that they have established supply chains that they are not keen to disrupt. Their special skills—smuggling, intimidation and violence—are useless online. And their comparative advantage is in shifting drugs in tonnes, not kilograms.
How to Buy Drugs on the Dark Web
- Anonymous browsing with a VPN or other encryption services will help hide your online activity from your government, ISP, or other prying eyes.
- It’s essentially a digital marketplace designed to keep transactions anonymous and private.
- Manufacturing, supply chains and local dealer’s supplies have all been disrupted to some extent, due to the pandemic.
Even if you still have a regular in-person dealer that you trust, they may not know what they’re selling, or, for that matter, be able to find a supplier whose gear isn’t compromised. The dark web was built for anonymity and, as such, it’s often nearly impossible for buyers to know who they are transacting with or where their purchases are being sourced. Drugs may be adulterated, counterfeit, or possibly made by amateurs out of their homes using substandard equipment. These dangers exist on the surface web as well; however, without illicit marketplaces that have built-in escrow and rating systems, there may be a higher likelihood of nondelivery schemes and phishing scams from websites on the surface web.
Engaging in any illegal activity, including buying drugs, can have serious legal consequences. However, for educational purposes, here’s a step-by-step guide on how some individuals navigate this process.
Step 1: Setting Up Your Environment
It’s the original inspiration for an extremely profitable underground global trade that continues today. Silk Road operated via a hidden darknet feature in the anonymous Tor network. Accessed with an app, the Tor network allowed users to anonymously browse Silk Road without the threat of traffic monitoring. All transactions were conducted in cryptocurrency — namely Bitcoin — which further ensured anonymity. But you can face criminal charges if you use the dark web to sell or purchase illegal firearms, drugs, pornography, stolen passwords, hacked credit card account numbers, or other items. You can find legitimate products such as basketball shoes, apparel, research papers, and other items on the dark web.
- Install Tor Browser: The first step is to download and install the Tor browser, which allows access to .onion websites.
- Secure Your Device: Ensure your device is free of malware. Use antivirus software to safeguard your activities.
- Use a VPN: A VPN (Virtual Private Network) adds an extra layer of anonymity by masking your IP address.
Gibbons rejects the idea that shutdowns are a pointless and expensive waste of police time. “Although new DNMs have emerged, [our work] impacts on the trustworthiness of those running the sites. The replacement sites often take a considerable time to build up to the same vendor-customer base,” he said. DF claims they are safe from investigation as the site’s business model differs from that of DeepDotWeb, which took affiliate sales fees in return for keeping lists of URLs updated. “I do not endorse sites and I do not take payment in exchange for anything. I am an uptime checker and a encryption-signature-verifier,” said DF. One Bristol-based darknet customer told me how he reacted when Dream and WSM closed.
Lalande says this work has led to arrests, such as that of a 39-year-old Calgary man who faces a dozen drug trafficking charges, among other offences. But the dark web also offers drug traffickers cover from police surveillance. The Public Health Agency of Canada predicts the number of opioid-related overdose deaths for 2017 will surpass 4,000 once the figures are available from all provinces and territories.
Step 2: Finding a Marketplace
- Search for Marketplaces: Look for reputable dark web marketplaces that deal with drugs. These can often be found through forums or by browsing specific directories.
- Check Reviews: Before purchasing, check reviews and feedback about vendors to avoid scams.
- Join Communities: Participate in forums or chat groups where other users discuss their experiences.
Step 3: Creating an Anonymous Account
- Register an Account: Most marketplaces require users to create an account. Use a pseudonym and avoid personal details.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: This adds an extra security layer to your account.
Step 4: Choosing a Payment Method
- Use Cryptocurrency: Most dark web transactions are conducted using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Monero to ensure anonymity.
- Purchase Cryptocurrency: Buy cryptocurrency through exchanges that do not require personal identification.
Step 5: Making a Purchase
- Browse Listings: Explore available drugs on the marketplace. Look for product descriptions, prices, and vendor ratings.
- Add to Cart: Select the items you wish to purchase and proceed to checkout.
- Confirm Payment: Follow the marketplace’s instructions to complete your payment securely.
- Use Escrow Services: If available, utilize an escrow service to protect both you and the seller during the transaction.
Post-Purchase Considerations
After making a purchase, it’s crucial to maintain security:
- Use a Safe Shipping Address: Consider using an address that does not link back to your identity.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your cryptocurrency wallets and marketplace accounts for any suspicious activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to buy drugs on the dark web?
No, purchasing drugs is illegal in many jurisdictions, including most of the United States.
Can I get caught buying drugs on the dark web?
Yes, law enforcement agencies monitor dark web activities, and there are risks of getting identified and prosecuted.
What precautions should I take when accessing the dark web?
- Always use a VPN for additional anonymity.
- Never share personal information.
- Be cautious of scams and frauds.
Are there safer alternatives to buying drugs?
If you are seeking help for substance use or addiction, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional or a support group.
