Drugs like heroin and cocaine already have established distribution and production channels that the web in its current form can’t disrupt. As with many illegal commodities, the drug market does not function efficiently. According to UN data (and as Quartz has previously reported), huge price disparities exist across borders.
Understanding the Darknet
Now, it goes unsaid conducting this kind of business online would ordinarily bring about unwanted scrutiny from the authorities. To understand the logistics of buying illegal drugs online, you need to have a clear understanding of how the internet works in the broader sense. One way drug sellers and buyers access the dark web is through a browser called TOR, short for The Onion Router. The only way these sites can be accessed is through specific kinds of domain names ending in “.onion,” which get routed through a massive series of relays to mask internet traffic. Another type of “browser” those looking for darknet markets use is called I2P. It primarily bypasses censorship but is also used to access the general dark web.
The darknet is part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and requires specific software to access. It is known for providing anonymity to users, which is why it has become a hub for illicit activities, including the sale of illegal substances.
Despite demand for legitimacy, the world of darknet markets is rife with shady characters, scams, and instability. The marketplaces are also a hotbed for cyberattacks, and the threat of law enforcement means they could be shut down at any time. On the Silk Road, you could buy banned energy drinks, hacking services, digital goods (such as malware and pirated software), and forgeries (such as fake licenses and other illicit documents).
“There is less impact on these more highly connected buyers when you take out sellers,” Duxbury said. “We’re finding that on an international level as well that shipments of cocaine from South and Central America, are now being paid for in cryptocurrency,” he told the conference. Cryptocurrency such as bitcoin, which is a virtual currency used online, is now a crucial part of how organised crime gangs operated, he said.
The Risks Involved
Buying drugs online from a stranger is dangerous because you do not know who made the drugs, where they came from, or how they were made. There is no quality control department at your dealer’s house, and the people making these drugs do not care about your safety. While using the dark web may seem suspect on the surface, it is perfectly legal, and there are many legitimate uses of Tor and anonymous browsing. For example, in countries where government surveillance may be used to spy on and oppress political dissidents, the dark web is often a place for communication that avoids government censorship and scrutiny. Despite these added layers of security, users should still be cautious using the dark web and take proper security measures, such as periodically updating their security software, browsing with a robust VPN, and avoiding the use of a standard email address. Originally used by the United States Department of Defense to communicate anonymously, the dark web has now become a hub for users wishing to remain anonymous around the world.
Caulkins and Padman (1993)—analysing price data collected by US undercover narcotics agents for various illicit drugs including cannabis–find for most drugs quantity discounts and quality premiums. The “Fentmaster,” who attended medical school before he turned into a darknet drug dealer, shipped these drugs to customers throughout the country using the U.S. He used extensive measures to conceal his identity, including software to encrypt his internet traffic and the communications sent from his cellphone.
Buying drugs on the darknet involves significant risks, such as:
- Legal Consequences: Purchasing illegal substances can lead to criminal charges.
- Scams: Many vendors are untrustworthy, and buyers risk losing their money without receiving their products.
- Health Risks: Unknown substances can be harmful or fatal.
Steps on How to Buy Drugs on the Darknet
Mental Health Services
If you choose to proceed, here are the steps involved in how to buy drugs on darknet:
1. Get the Right Software
To access the darknet, you will need to download the Tor browser. This software enables users to browse the internet anonymously.
2. Secure Your Identity
Protecting your identity is crucial. Consider the following:
- Use a VPN to further mask your location.
- Create a new email account not linked to your personal information.
- Utilize encrypted messaging apps for communication.
3. Find a Marketplace
There are several darknet marketplaces where drugs are sold. Research and select a reputable marketplace with good reviews.
4. Create an Account
Once you have found a marketplace, create an account. Use a secure username and password, and never provide personal details.
5. Browse Available Products
Search for the drug you are interested in. Check product descriptions and seller ratings before making a purchase.
6. Use Cryptocurrency for Payment
- He said text messages and Facebook Messenger are two primary modes of communication.
- Prosecutors allege those charges are responsible for tens of thousands of illegal sales in the U.S., the United Kingdom, Australia, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
- “I waited nine days for one dealer’s wares to arrive; another arrived two days after I placed the order,” he said.
- Grams was an early example, now superseded by Kilos, a search engine offering almost 70,000 listings from 7 different marketplaces.
- While these users might be deterred from purchasing drugs, the effectiveness of influencing the risk perception of actual darknet market customers who may be addicted drug users is questionable.
Most darknet vendors accept cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin. Obtain cryptocurrency through a reputable exchange, and ensure it is set up for privacy.
7. Make Your Purchase
When ready, add your chosen item to the cart, proceed to checkout, and follow the vendor’s instructions for payment.
8. Arrange for Delivery
Choose a delivery method. Some vendors offer discrete shipping to help protect your identity.
FAQs
Is it safe to buy drugs on the darknet?
No, buying drugs on the darknet is highly risky and can lead to legal issues, scams, and health hazards.
What payment methods are accepted on darknet marketplaces?
Most marketplaces exclusively accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin for anonymity.
Can law enforcement track darknet transactions?
While the darknet offers more anonymity, law enforcement has tools to potentially trace cryptocurrency transactions and monitor illegal activities.
What should I do if I get scammed?
If you become a victim of a scam, reporting it can be difficult. It’s advisable to ensure thorough research and choose vendors carefully to minimize this risk.
Conclusion
While there is information on how to buy drugs on darknet, it is essential to consider the legal, health, and ethical implications. Engaging in illegal activities can have serious consequences, and it is always advisable to seek safer, legal alternatives.
