Fentanyl Availability On Darknet Markets
Understanding Darknet Markets and Fentanyl Sales
The detailed information in AED, like full names andaddresses, weight, date, and more can be instantly captured in both outgoing and incomingprocessing centers. DarkMarket also advertised itself as being the only such site administered exclusively by women. This was an intriguing boast—a prosecutor told me it was made to gain users’ trust—but it was untrue. DarkMarket’s thirty-four-year-old founder and administrator was apparently an Australian man, who was arrested last weekend near the German-Danish border.
An Alexandria man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Fischer and Taylor sold other drugs on the darknet that they advertised as being legitimate, pharmaceutically, produced drugs. For example, the two sold what they described as “pharmaceutical Adderall’ for over $13 per pill. McDonald recruited and hired accomplices — including Clutario — to help with packaging and shipping the narcotics, the indictment alleges, and both McDonald and Clutario updated the drug listings and shipping information of the orders placed.
First, we designed and implemented an anonymous marketplace data collection and analysis pipeline to gather and identify opioids data in 16 anonymous marketplaces and forums over a period of almost 9 years between 2011 and 2020. Second, we fine-tuned the semantic comparison model proposed by Yuan et al [19] for opioid jargon detection, which can recognize the opioid jargon as innocent-looking terms and the dedicated terms only used in the anonymous marketplaces and forums. In this way, we generated a rich underground marketplace opioid vocabulary of 311 opioid keywords with 13 categories. Third, we conducted a comprehensive, large-scale, longitudinal study to measure and characterize opioid trading in anonymous online marketplaces and forums.
The darknet refers to a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines and requires specific software, often Tor, to access. Within this hidden layer, various illicit activities take place, including the sale of drugs. One of the most concerning substances found on these platforms is fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid.
What is Fentanyl?
It primarily bypasses censorship but is also used to access the general dark web. Online drug marketplaces seem to have started around 2011, when Silk Road disrupted the way people buy drugs, shifting from dark alleys to the dark web. Buying drugs online allows consumers to order from a smorgasbord of narcotics, delivered to the door via the postal system. From opioids and marijuana to crack, heroin, and fentanyl, it’s a porous buyer’s market. Drug sales on the dark web now amount to 315 million dollars annually, up from 80 million dollars annually just in 2017.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is primarily used in medical settings for pain management, particularly in cases of severe pain. However, its high potency makes it appealing to illicit sellers on darknet markets, contributing to the opioid crisis.
The manufacturing of fentanyl is an international process, often requiring the purchase of precursor chemicals that usually originate outside of the United States — typically China. China has been home to the largest chemical industry by revenue in the world since 2011. China was also identified as the world’s leader in chemical exports, with more than $100 billion worth in 2021 alone. Liam says he takes drugs to medicate the effects of childhood trauma (he was beaten by one of his parents, he says) but that he’s seeking help.
During the course of the conspiracy, the conspirators made over 1,100 sales of controlled substances over the darknet using these accounts. The future of narcotics in darknet markets is uncertain and may depend on a variety of factors such as increased regulation, technological advancements, the rise of decentralized marketplaces, the impact of COVID-19, and the evolution of law enforcement tactics. While it is impossible to predict what the future holds for these markets, it is clear that they will continue to be a significant part of the drug trade for the foreseeable future. Hydra’s online criminal marketplace allowed users primarily from Russian-speaking nations to buy and sell illegal drugs, stolen financial data, fake IDs, money-laundering services and other illegal goods and services. Transactions were made using cryptocurrency like bitcoin, and Hydra’s operators received a cut for each transaction conducted on the platform. Rating services are increasingly popular since dark web marketplace “exit scams” remain high.
What Darknet Markets Sell Fentanyl?
Numerous darknet markets are known for facilitating the trade of fentanyl. While specific sites may come and go due to law enforcement actions, some of the most infamous platforms include:
Liam gets his fix from a site called Dream Market, a one-stop shop for drugs. “There’s no dealer in Calgary that can match the huge selection that’s available on the dark net,” says Liam, whose real name isn’t being disclosed by CBC News because he fears potential criminal and other repercussions if he goes public. To increase shipping success rates, all vendors studied by Flashpoint encouraged their clients to use their real names, stating that they refused to offer refunds and reshipments in cases in which the recipient did not use their real name. In an effort to avoid being defrauded by their clients, many vendors track the packages and require signatures upon delivery.
- Silk Road – Although it has been shut down, its legacy paved the way for future markets.
- AlphaBay – Another notorious site that was closed, but still discussed in illicit circles.
- Dream Market – One of the larger markets during its operation, allowing various drug trades.
- Wall Street Market – Known for a range of drugs, including fentanyl.
- DarkNet Markets Forum – A community hub where various vendors operate.
How is Fentanyl Sold on Darknet Markets?
Within the darknet, fentanyl is typically sold in several forms, each catering to different user preferences:
- Pills – Often made to look like legitimate prescription medications.
- Powder – Sold in small quantities for individual use.
- Fake Prescription Drugs – Products that may contain fentanyl mixed with other substances.
Risks of Purchasing Fentanyl on Darknet Markets
Acquiring fentanyl from darknet markets carries significant dangers:
- Others felt the decision was a strategic move to reduce law enforcement interest in the community.
- The types of narcotics sold on Darknet Markets vary, and they are often categorized based on their effects and chemical structure.
- Online drug marketplaces seem to have started around 2011, when Silk Road disrupted the way people buy drugs, shifting from dark alleys to the dark web.
- This is likely not a new trend, and numerous vendors possibly also deal with other drug substances alongside fentanyl.
- Quality Control – Illicit drugs lack regulation, leading to inconsistent potency.
- Legal Consequences – Buyers risk arrest and prosecution.
- Health Risks – Overdose potential is high with fentanyl, even in small doses.
FAQs
Is fentanyl legal on the darknet?
No, fentanyl is illegal to sell and distribute without a prescription, regardless of the platform.
What should I do if I or someone I know is using fentanyl?
If someone is using fentanyl, it is crucial to seek medical advice and support immediately, as the risks of addiction and overdose are severe.
Are there safer alternatives to fentanyl?
For legitimate pain management, doctors can prescribe regulated opioids with proper monitoring, providing safer options compared to illicit substances.
Conclusion
The sale of fentanyl on darknet markets exemplifies the dangers of unregulated drug trade. The potency of this synthetic opioid poses significant risks to users, both physically and legally. Understanding the implications of purchasing such substances online can help mitigate risks associated with their use.
