Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, has gained notoriety for its alarming rise in drug-related overdoses. Its potency and availability have made it a subject of concern for law enforcement agencies worldwide. While fentanyl can be legally obtained with a prescription for medical use, its illicit trade poses significant risks to public health and safety.
- That’s because the deadly opioid is increasingly found in illegal drugs like pain pills, cocaine and even marijuana.
- There is no way to know whether illicitly-purchased pharmaceuticals contain fentanyl without testing them first.
- Or, by having Narcan with you, which can help to prevent a fatal overdose.
- Naloxone can reverse a fentanyl overdose, although in some cases it may take more doses because fentanyl is so potent.
- Some people may use opioids to cope with painful emotions, trauma, or other life experiences.
Cartels and other illegal operations order the precursors – often over the dark web – then do the final conversion into fentanyl in a lab. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, created in laboratories in the 1960’s as a potent pain reliever for very specific circumstances. Part of an ongoing national trend tracked by the CDPHE for the past 20 years, Colorado’s trend of overdose deaths mirror those seen nationally. Last month, the Canadian government announced $3.5 million in funding to safe supply projects in Vancouver, Victoria, and Toronto. However, harm reduction proponents have told VICE World News the programs aren’t meeting demand.
‘We’re done with dead kids’: U.S. bars are handing out free fentanyl tests
The Emergence of the Dark Web
In recent years, the internet has become a hub for various activities, both legal and illegal. One particular corner of the internet, known as the Dark Web, has become a notorious marketplace for illicit goods, including drugs like fentanyl. Accessible only through specific browsers and requiring advanced technical knowledge, this hidden network has facilitated the anonymous sale of drugs, weapons, counterfeit documents, and more.
It is often contained in illicit drugs without the user’s knowledge. It may be laced into other illegal street drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, fake opioid pills, or methamphetamine (“meth”). It is relatively cheap to make and allows an illicit drug manufacturer to stretch their product, make it more powerful and addictive, and gain more money for themselves. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fentanyl test strips (FTS) are a low-cost method of helping prevent drug overdoses and reducing harm. FTS are small strips of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in all different kinds of drugs (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin) and drug forms (pills, powder, and injectables).
The Dark Web’s Impact on the Fentanyl Trade
Fentanyl Test Strip Training Video
For those seeking to buy fentanyl discreetly and without detection, the Dark Web presents an avenue that seemingly offers anonymity and convenience. Vendors operating on Dark Web marketplaces utilize encrypted communications, virtual currencies such as Bitcoin, and shipping methods that make tracing their activities exceedingly difficult for authorities.
However, it is crucial to highlight that accessing the Dark Web and engaging in illegal activities is both dangerous and illegal. The consequences of involvement with illegal drug trade are severe, ranging from criminal charges to potential harm to oneself or others.
Training Videos
The Fight Against Dark Web Marketplaces
Because of the War on Drugs, misguided public health policy, and laws punishing drug use, the unsafe drug supply is growing. Inconsistent purity and potent cuts ranging from vet medicine (e.g. xylazine) to strong fentanyl analogues (e.g. carfentanil) are just some of the many results of the criminalization of people who use drugs. In 2020, there were 812 overdose deaths in Wisconsin where illegally manufactured fentanyl was considered to be probable or suspected in contributing cause of death. Recognizing the value of fentanyl test strips in reducing the harms of drug use, Gov. Tony Evers signed legislation in March to allow the test strips to be used in Wisconsin.
Law enforcement agencies and governments around the world have recognized the urgent need to combat the illicit drug trade facilitated by the Dark Web. Through dedicated task forces and international collaborations, efforts have been made to identify and dismantle these online marketplaces.
It is important to remember that the fight against illegal drug trade is a collective responsibility. Reporting any suspicious activities or information related to the Dark Web can help authorities in their ongoing endeavors to disrupt these illicit networks and protect public safety.
Safeguarding Public Health
Fentanyl, when used legally and under medical supervision, can provide relief for those suffering from severe pain. However, its abuse and misuse pose significant health risks, as even small amounts can lead to a fatal overdose.
Educating the public about the dangers of fentanyl and promoting safe practices is crucial in safeguarding public health. Awareness campaigns, community engagement, and support services for individuals struggling with substance abuse are essential components of addressing this growing crisis.
LANSING – New dollars distributed to groups fighting substance abuse can be used to purchase strips that test whether drug dealers cut heroin or other street drugs with often-deadly fentanyl. British Columbia declared the overdose crisis a public health emergency in 2016. Since then, more than 8,500 people have died of drug overdoses, with last year being the deadliest on record. As first reported by the Globe and Mail, PHS Community Services Society launched its “enhanced access program” last week. The program connects people who buy illicit opioids with a nurse who helps them determine a fentanyl prescription and dosage that will suit their needs. Then the patients can purchase powder fentanyl capsules at one of PHS Community Services Society’s clinical sites.
The Importance of Legal Channels
To ensure the safe distribution of medications, it is vital to rely on legal channels. Properly regulated pharmaceutical systems, healthcare professionals, and legitimate pharmacies play a pivotal role in providing access to necessary medications while mitigating the risks associated with illicit drugs like fentanyl.
When seeking medication, always consult a licensed healthcare professional and obtain prescriptions from reputable sources. Avoid purchasing drugs from unauthorized websites or unknown sources, as these products may be counterfeit, adulterated, or even deadly.
Illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is a synthetic opioid that can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. The potency and contents of illicit drugs, including IMF, is always changing. This makes it impossible for someone to know the strength or the mixture of substances in their drug product.
In Conclusion
Fentanyl’s presence on the Dark Web highlights the existence of an underground market that poses serious threats to society. The anonymity and ease of access offered by the Dark Web contribute to the flourishing illicit drug trade, requiring collaborative efforts from law enforcement agencies, governments, and individuals to combat it effectively.
According to the report, most of this fentanyl originates in China. China has cracked down on fentanyl and some of its subtypes, or analogues, but the online dealers often tweak the formulas of their drugs slightly to stay ahead of bans. For example, when China announced it would ban one fentanyl product, called U-47700, on July 1, one fentanyl dealer advertised a “hot sale” of the product through June. “All must go till 1 of July,” the “special offer” read, according to the report. Five or six times a day, a man from Texas injects a dose of carefully measured fentanyl. He does it when he wakes up and before he goes to work, and sometimes on breaks.
Remember, the only safe and legal way to obtain fentanyl is through proper medical channels. By prioritizing public health, raising awareness, and promoting responsible practices, we can work towards a world where dangerous substances like fentanyl no longer pose such significant risks to individuals and communities.
