This Is How Dutch Police Know You’re Buying Drugs Online
Today, in the post-Silk Road era, many online black markets continue to thrive. 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.
Understanding the Darknet
The upper layer contains all web pages indexed by search engines like Google, the Renaissance Recovery website, for example. Why would you go through all of the trouble of protecting your identity online only to have something mailed to your home address? Box won’t eliminate all of the potential risk—one of the most successful Silk Road drug kingpins of all time was brought down by oversights made at a post office—but it will surely help. Tor’s browser helps hide your identity by encrypting your traffic and sending through a series of randomly selected relays in the Tor network, so the data traces back to random Tor servers rather than you. Beyond the security benefits, there are some websites you simply can’t reach from a traditional browser.
People may have previously bought or advertised drugs on non-dark websites like Craigslist, he said, but it was a tiny share of the market, with unsophisticated sellers and buyers. These sites don’t show up in search engines and can’t be visited with a regular web browser. You need special software that will obscure the site’s location on the internet (its IP address) and, generally, yours too. For many dark-web sites, that software is Tor, originally developed by the US government to protect intelligence information. And most of the sites conduct business in bitcoin, the cryptocurrency that allows for anonymous online payments.
To find out, our recent study surveyed 13 darknet drug vendors, via online encrypted interviews. These markets host hundreds, or in some cases thousands, of people who sell drugs, commonly referred to as “vendors”. The dark web offers vital anonymity for vendors and buyers, who use cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin to process transactions.
While explaining blockchains and cryptocurrencies, Ms. Ginsberg mentioned using Coinbase app to buy some bitcoin. My interest was sparked, and I immediately installed the app and soon became the proud owner of $10.00 of Bitcoin! Instantly my new crypto funds were burning a hole in my pocket, so when she mentioned the dark web, I was struck by a desire to purchase something goofy on the dark web, and to document the goofiness for a blog post. Following some how-to-access-the dark-web-on-Android-phone directions, I installed Orbot and Orfox, the Tor network connection software and the Tor browser for Android phones. It is possible, Christin continued, that some synthetic opioids were classified as prescription drugs on the market, and there has been a moderate increase in prescription drug sales.
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. Cocaine, for instance, typically costs $63 a gram in the UK and more than $130 in Sweden. There can be large disparities in price within the same country or even the same city. A wide variation in purity is one reason, but so is an ill-functioning market. If drugs were a legal commodity, those price differences would be arbitraged away through trade.
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. The main reason for the online price premium, though, appears to be that dark-web drugs are of higher quality. If you order from someone with thousands of reviews you are unlikely to get a poison in place of a psychedelic, explains a regular buyer of LSD. You can consume “with a good conscious [sic]”, promises one vendor for his “ethically sourced” THC chocolate, which costs 13% more than the ordinary, immoral stuff.
The darknet refers to a part of the internet that requires specific software and configurations to access. Unlike the regular internet, the darknet is often associated with activities that are illegal, including the buying and selling of drugs.
Even if you aren’t perusing darknet markets, true anonymous browsing will keep you safe from prying eyes — such as governments and your ISP. From there, use encryption software and the best Google Chrome security and privacy extensions to shore up your security and privacy. The dark web Silk Road is no longer active, but it established the template for other marketplaces to follow. Many of them use Tor for anonymous access, and conduct transactions through Bitcoin and escrow services.
How to Buy Drugs on the Darknet
Purchasing drugs on the darknet is a process that requires caution and understanding of the environment. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Get the Right Tools
To access the darknet, you need:
- Specialized Browsers: Download and install the Tor Browser. This tool allows you to access .onion websites that are not available on standard search engines.
- VPN Service: Consider using a VPN for additional privacy and security.
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Finding a Marketplace
Search for reputable darknet marketplaces by entering forums or relying on community recommendations. Some popular options include:
- Silk Road (historical context, as it is no longer active)
- AlphaBay
- Hansa Market
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Create an Account
Once you find a marketplace, sign up for an account. Ensure to use:
- An anonymous username and password.
- A secure email that doesn’t link back to your identity.
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Fund Your Account
Most darknet marketplaces require cryptocurrency (like Bitcoin) for transactions. Steps include:
- Buy Cryptocurrency: Use an exchange or ATM to buy Bitcoin.
- Transfer Funds: Send your Bitcoin to your marketplace account.
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Browse and Purchase
Now you’re ready to browse. Follow these tips:
- Search for the specific drug you want.
- Read reviews and ratings for sellers to ensure credibility.
- Check the quality and description of the product.
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Make the Transaction
Complete your purchase by:
- Selecting the item and choosing the quantity.
- Following the marketplace instructions for payment.
- Providing a secure shipping address, possibly using a fake name or PO Box.
FAQs
Is it safe to buy drugs on the darknet?
- Between smart homes, mobile devices, and robot dogs that can open doors, the world is an infinitely more interesting and enjoyable place thanks to the internet.
- Not only are drugs more dangerous on the dark web, but they’re also more expensive.
- Among the U.S. targets were the operators of two darknet accounts in Florida and Rhode Island that advertised and sold fentanyl pills throughout the country, the Justice Department said.
- Van Hout and Bingham (2013) show that users see online transactions as being safer than negotiating in a street-level drug market.
- 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.
No, purchasing drugs on the darknet carries significant legal risks and personal safety concerns.
What payment methods are accepted?
The majority of darknet marketplaces accept cryptocurrencies for anonymity. Avoid providing personal financial information.
Can I get caught buying drugs on the darknet?
Yes, law enforcement agencies monitor online activities. It’s essential to use maximum precautions like a VPN and anonymous payment methods.
Conclusion
Understanding how to buy drugs on the darknet is crucial for those considering entering this realm. However, the associated risks and consequences can be severe. Always prioritize safety and legal implications before making such decisions.
