Illegal Drug Sales In The Mirror Of The Dark Web Marketplace
The recent Ukraine-Russia war was reflected in the cyber world, and nationalist Russian threat actors came together in some forums. Earlier this year, a study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found illegal websites have sales that average $300,000 to $500,000 a day. The study found marijuana accounted for about one-quarter of sales, followed by Ecstasy and stimulants. These websites also sell significant amounts of psychedelic drugs, opioids and other prescription medications.
Whatever your role in infosec, you probably know by now that dark web marketplaces offer budding and expert hackers various tools, data, credentials, ransomware, and malware for sale, with payment usually made via cryptocurrency. It’s in this underground landscape of shady buyers and sellers where dark web threats often lurk undetected until it’s too late and you suffer a breach. “The Kingdom Market darknet site allowed criminals to move dangerous drugs in and out of our communities and use the digital world to hide their illegal activities,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Melissa McFadden of IRS Criminal Investigation’s (CI) St. Louis Field Office. “Collaboration with our global law enforcement partners is the key to disrupting drug trafficking, money laundering and the other illicit activities that occur on the darknet.” The following month RuTor retaliated, hacking WayAway and posting screenshots of the breach, arguing that WayAway’s security was too weak to be trusted.
Understanding the Darknet Drug Market
The darknet drug market is a hidden segment of the internet that facilitates the illicit trade of drugs and other controlled substances. Operating in the shadows of the web, these markets function using anonymity tools like Tor and cryptocurrencies to protect both buyers and sellers.
Characteristics of a Darknet Drug Market
- Making a transaction in crypto is a much safer option for anyone looking to buy illicit goods.
- To give you a better idea, a typical single pill of ibuprofen is two hundred milligrams.
- For journalists, intelligence agents, and everyday citizens living in oppressive regimes, the dark web is a critical tool for supporting free speech and open access to news.
- Silk Road 2.0 was launched soon after the original Silk Road was seized and since that time there has been a proliferation of darknet markets..
- Those who do not have access to these distribution modes have often pursued shifting and sometimes predatory street markets.
Easier availability may reduce temptations to hoard [37], but tendencies towards vendors selling solely or at discounted rates in larger quantities may counteract that. The benefits of making large purchases means that purchases are often made with the intent of social supply [38]. Some cryptomarket users exhibit more isolated use patterns such as using MDMA/Ecstasy, cocaine and LSD alone [39].
As a billion dollar industry dealing in illicit goods, dark web markets are a great concern for governments. US agencies, like the FBI, are constantly working with international law enforcement agencies to stop the growth of dark web markets all over the globe. The Silk Road defined its name based on the historical network of trade routes between Asia, the Middle East, East Africa, and Europe. And although the Silk Road hasn’t operated for years, it laid the foundation for other darknet markets to follow. Today, the Silk Road is an important case study when analyzing the growth of other dark web markets.
What makes the darknet drug market unique? Here are some defining features:
Ease of access also alters localised drug cultures, with for example 2-CB becoming more common in some rural areas of Scotland due to darknet access. In addition to drugs, which include prescription pharmaceuticals as well as illegal drugs, darknet markets offer a wide range of products and services. Some markets refuse to sell weapons or poisons, but many list stolen information, illegal services like hacking for hire, pornographic content, and more. On the dark web’s eBay-like marketplaces, vendors still sell many varieties of illegal drugs, typically shipping the substances to their customers in vacuum-sealed envelopes. We analyzed listings for several types of drugs that were put up for sale over the past year, using data collected by Grams, a search engine for the dark web. Likely a response to increase law enforcement activities, it is even harder to get access to dark web hacker forums.
Branwen’s PSA offered advice for users about not panicking, in spite of the “Eye of Sauron” being upon the drug market forum. The agency said it showed international cooperation was key to tackling online crime, with the intelligence used to investigate the suspects based on evidence provided by German authorities. They are all suspected of using an illicit marketplace known as Monopoly Market, where substances including amphetamines and cocaine were bought and sold. This simple concept is fundamentally important for maintaining truly private web surfing and communications. For journalists, intelligence agents, and everyday citizens living in oppressive regimes, the dark web is a critical tool for supporting free speech and open access to news. Unfortunately, this same benefit is also useful for criminals, who routinely leverage the dark web to peddle illegal or stolen goods, obtain malware or other malicious tools, and coordinate their nefarious activities.
- Anonymity: Both buyers and sellers use pseudonyms, minimizing their chances of being caught by law enforcement.
- Cryptocurrency Transactions: Payments are often made using Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, adding a layer of security to financial exchanges.
- Variety of Products: These markets often offer a wide range of substances, from common recreational drugs to rare and dangerous materials.
- User Reviews: Similar to regular e-commerce platforms, users can leave reviews and ratings for sellers and products, enhancing the buying experience.
We have listed three factors under the anonymity and encryption category. The first is the encryption of the entire purchase process, i.e., the immediate deletion of online traces of the customer. The second is the prohibition of retaining purchase data, which embodies the demand expressed by the customer towards the vendor or the web market’s operator (Dordal, 2018; Espinosa, 2019). The third is complete anonymity, which also extends to the actor from whom the customer orders the product.
How Does It Work?
Engaging in the darknet drug market involves several steps:
- Accessing the Darknet: Users need specialized software, such as the Tor browser, to enter darknet sites.
- Finding a Market: There are numerous darknet markets available. Users often rely on forums and directories to find reputable ones.
- Creating an Account: Most marketplaces require users to register and create an anonymous profile.
- Placing Orders: Users browse listings, select products, and place orders, making sure to follow the seller’s instructions for payment.
- Receiving Goods: Sellers ship products discreetly, often using methods to avoid detection, like disguising the contents.
Risks Involved
Although the darknet drug market offers access to substances, it comes with significant risks:
- Legal Consequences: Possessing or purchasing illegal drugs can result in severe legal penalties.
- Scams: Fraudulent sellers may take money without delivering any product, with little recourse for the buyer.
- Health Risks: The quality and purity of substances are often unknown, leading to potential overdoses or dangerous reactions.
- Cybersecurity Threats: Users risk exposure to hacking or malware when navigating these unregulated environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are all darknet markets illegal?
Yes, the vast majority of darknet drug markets sell illegal substances, making their operations illegal in most jurisdictions.
2. How do I avoid scams on the darknet?
To minimize the risk of scams, users should:
- Check seller reviews.
- Start with small orders.
- Avoid markets that have recently opened without a reputable track record.
3. Can I get arrested for browsing the darknet?
While merely browsing the darknet drug market is not typically an arrestable offense, engaging in purchasing or distributing illegal substances can lead to legal trouble.
4. Is using a VPN necessary for accessing the darknet?
While a VPN can enhance privacy when accessing the darknet, it is not always necessary if users are cautious and employ the Tor browser correctly.
Conclusion
The darknet drug market represents a complex and often dangerous aspect of modern society. While it offers access to controlled substances with a promise of anonymity, users must navigate numerous risks and legal concerns. A clear understanding of how these markets operate and the associated dangers is vital for anyone considering venturing into this hidden world.
