Can Hong Kong Stay One Step Ahead Of The Darknet?
Understanding the Dark Web
Over half of the dark-web samples contained nothing but cocaine, compared with just 14% of those bought offline. Taking purity into account, it is probably cheaper to score online than via your local dealer, says Judith Aldridge of Manchester University. The offline drugs market as it stands is all local monopolies and cartels, run by dealers and gangsters. By introducing clever payment mechanisms, feedback systems, and real competition, power is shifting to the users. The most surprising statistics about Silk Road 2.0 are not the amount of available drugs (although that is truly staggering); it’s the satisfaction scores.
The dark web is often misunderstood and surrounded by mystique. It is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines, requiring specific software to access. The most common tool used to navigate this hidden part of the web is Tor (The Onion Router).
The terms “deep web” and “dark web” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Deep web refers to anything on the internet that is not indexed by and, therefore, accessible via a search engine like Google. Deep web content includes anything behind a paywall or requires sign-in credentials. It also includes any content that its owners have blocked web crawlers from indexing.
Can You Buy Drugs on the Dark Web?
But the extent of their dealing was limited to other students and not very profitable. Now that kid down the hall who deals drugs may get his supply online instead of braving the in-person market. “It was the combination of Tor and bitcoin” that sparked the sudden growth of these drug marketplaces, says Nicolas Christin of Carnegie Mellon University, an expert on the dark web.
- The mortality rates from fentanyl consumption and increasing enforcement actions against dealers have even spooked many cybercriminals into steering clear from facilitating its trade.
- The RCMP confirmed on Friday it was dealing with a cyber event that targeted its networks, forcing it to launch a criminal investigation into the breach.
- District Court Judge William J. Martinez on November 22, 2019, to 51/2 years in prison and 4 years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft.
- After all, you can’t exactly use Paypal or your credit card to pay for illegal drugs.
First, drugs on the Dark Web are central to the marketplace, and illegal online pharmacies abound. Many teens can’t resist the temptation to check it out to see what it is all about. The first arrest and conviction of a person for dealing in drugs over Silk Road actually occurred in Australia, with the accused apprehended for trafficking in cocaine and MDMA. The founder of Silk Road, who was known as “Dread Pirate Roberts”, was charged, tried and convicted on charges that including money laundering, computer hacking and conspiracy to traffic narcotics. The US District Court in Manhattan sentenced the man to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole and ordered him to forfeit 183 million dollars in proceeds of crime.
One of the most frequently asked questions about the dark web is, “Can you buy drugs on the dark web?” The short answer is yes, but the implications of doing so are serious and potentially dangerous.
Sellers had reputations to preserve, so they provided excellent customer service and high-quality drugs to ensure a consistently high rating but, just as Uber drivers can secretly rate their passengers, the sellers could also rate the buyers. Anyone who was difficult to do business with or forgot to release funds from escrow (causing the vendor to wait until the site auto-released much later) was marked down. Too bad a reputation and the most popular vendors would refuse to deal to a buyer, while high-volume customers with a good ranking were rewarded with extra drugs or free express postage. Customers intending to buy drugs over the dark web typically access it through the onion router (Tor) in order to conceal their identities. Specialized dark web explorers (GRAMS, DuckDuckGo, Ahmia, Torch, Hidden Wiki, etc.) enable them to access their desired market platforms.
These drug markets are clandestine dispensaries of illicit and dangerous substances that are sold in exchange for cryptocurrencies, such as bitcoin. For police, they pose a challenging front in the fight against the opioid crisis. For example, many dark web websites are only accessible through networks such as Tor — a secure web network that hides the user’s IP address in order to maintain anonymity. This shift has resulted in the growth in popularity of forums that are dedicated to reviewing various vendors, but not facilitating sales, acting more like Yelp or TripAdvisor. Bitcoin remains the currency of choice on the dark web markets, but many vendors are now favouring the newer Monero, a cryptocurrency with more robust privacy that is said to be untraceable. It was certainly not a great idea for market owners to be enigmatic, idealistic leaders with a devoted following, who served as a beacon for law enforcement.
How the Process Works
Electronic transfer systems such as credit cards or bank transfers have the potential to be traced. At its simplest level, it is a borderless digital currency, which allows for almost instantaneous transactions from one person to another anywhere in the world. Most importantly for the black market, neither person in a transaction needs to know the identity of the other. Drug dealers had the same incentives to move their business online as legitimate retailers, but they faced significant barriers setting up shop for illegal goods.
Free, legal and simple to download, Tor opens up a browser that looks identical to that used for surfing the internet normally. The difference is, it can access sites that your normal browser cannot; websites where the owner cannot be traced. 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.
Here’s how purchasing drugs on the dark web typically works:
- Accessing the Dark Web: Users need specialized software like Tor to reach dark web sites.
- Finding a Marketplace: Users can find various marketplaces that facilitate illegal transactions, including drug sales.
- Creating an Account: Most marketplaces require users to create an account, often using pseudonyms for anonymity.
- Choosing Products: Users browse listings, read descriptions, and select their desired substances.
- Payment: Cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin, are commonly used to make transactions securely.
- Awaiting Delivery: After payment, users provide a shipping address (often disguised) and wait for their order.
Risks Involved
While purchasing drugs on the dark web may seem straightforward, it comes with significant risks, such as:
- Legal Consequences: Law enforcement agencies monitor the dark web, and buying illegal substances can lead to severe legal repercussions.
- Scams: Many sellers are fraudulent; you can lose money without receiving anything in return.
- Quality Control: The lack of regulation means the quality and composition of drugs can vary greatly.
- Personal Safety: Sharing personal information can lead to exposure and potential harm from malicious actors.
FAQs
1. Is it safe to buy drugs on the dark web?
No, buying drugs on the dark web poses multiple risks, including legal issues and personal safety threats.
2. What types of drugs can you find on the dark web?
Various types of drugs, including prescription medications, recreational substances, and narcotics, can be found.
3. How do sellers ensure anonymity?
Sellers often use encrypted communication, pseudonyms, and cryptocurrency payments to protect their identity.
4. Can law enforcement track dark web transactions?
While the dark web offers some anonymity, law enforcement has developed methods to track transactions and gather evidence.
Conclusion
The question, “Can you buy drugs on the dark web?” is indeed answerable, but the complexities and dangers associated with such actions are substantial. It is essential to understand the significant risks and legal implications involved before attempting to engage in any dark web transactions.
