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Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the internet not indexed by traditional search engines, often associated with illegal activities.
Accessing this hidden layer requires special software, typically Tor, which anonymizes users’ identities and locations.
Risks Involved
The majority of the internet (an estimated 95 percent) exists within the deep web, unindexed by search engines like Google and Bing. The dark web lives within the deep web, and it requires specific software, configurations and authorization to access. But, all the same – even if the products are seized, that itself generally isn’t enough to warrant an arrest. The fact of drugs being sent to someone’s house is not, on its own, conclusive evidence that they are buying or using them. Indeed, somebody could theoretically ship drugs to any address they want to – regardless of whether they have any connection to the resident. Police are also unlikely to target people purchasing a small amount of drugs.
Law enforcement agencies around the world — but especially in the US — have started to take a keen interest in what takes place in this strange encrypted internet and are certainly getting better at infiltrating and shutting down these sites. Periodically one disappears following a police raid, sparking panic and worry among the community of users. But the dark net markets learn from each mistake and are becoming more secure and more decentralised, making them incrementally more difficult to combat.
Before exploring how to buy drugs from the dark web, it’s crucial to understand the associated risks:
- Legal consequences: Purchasing illegal substances can lead to severe legal penalties.
- Scams: Many vendors are fraudulent, and buyers risk losing their money.
- Health risks: Drugs bought online may be untested and dangerous.
- Security issues: The dark web is rife with hackers and malware.
“Bitcoin has been a major factor in the growth of the dark web, and the dark web has been a big factor in the growth of bitcoin,” says Tiquet. IBM Security X-Force, for example, reported that 29% of its ransomware engagements in 2020 involved REvil. The criminal groups that developed the malware gets a cut of the affiliates’ earnings, typically between 20% and 30%. Ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) kits have been available on the dark web for several years, but those offerings have become far more dangerous with the rise of specialized criminal groups like REvil or GandCrab. These groups develop their own sophisticated malware, sometimes combined with pre-existing tools, and distribute them through “affiliates”. Password recovery is very complicated on these sites for understandable reasons.
Furthermore, all marketplaces accept forms of cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin. This digital currency allows buyers to pay while maintaining a degree of privacy protection. Holding payment in escrow often has the added benefit of “tumbling” or “mixing” digital currency; this is a form of money laundering that severs the connection between a cryptocurrency address sending coins and the address to which they are sent. Buying drugs online and through social media or on the dark web can be extremely dangerous with fatal consequences. It might be that the drug that you think you are buying only forms small part of the product or is not even present at all. Illegal drugs are frequently made with other substances to bulk them out and increase the amount of money the seller makes.
Steps to Buy Drugs from the Dark Web
The popularity of the “Dark Web” for purchasing illegal drugs is especially worrisome because it is increasing the availability and acceptability of drugs, according to an addiction psychiatry expert. When Target was hacked in 2013, customer card details turned up on dark web marketplaces. Hackers have tried to do the same with Yahoo login credentials, and details of O2 phone network customers in the UK. The dark web is a subset of the deep web, which is also not indexed by traditional search engines. Unlike the deep web, the dark web functions not only for security but also for anonymity.
Prosecutors allege he stole a landline phone and then tried to sell it back to the victim. He was on parole at the time after having been convicted of an earlier burglary offense. The affidavit said the package, mailed from an address in California, was found to contain 138 grams (almost 5 ounces) of the street drug.
For informational purposes only, here’s a general overview of the process:
Out of reach of regular internet searches is the secretive online world known as the ‘dark web’ – anonymous, virtually untraceable global networks used by political activists and criminals alike. Darren Guccione is the CEO and co-founder of Keeper Security, the world’s most popular password manager and secure digital vault. Keeper is the first and only password management application to be preloaded with mobile operators and device manufacturers including, AT&T, Orange, America Movil and HTC. Keeper has millions of consumer customers and the business solution protects thousands of organizations worldwide.
1. Accessing the Dark Web
To start, you need to download the Tor browser:
- Visit the official Tor Project website to download the software securely.
- Install the Tor browser following the provided instructions.
- Connect to the Tor network to ensure privacy.
- Engstrom’s indictment, announced by the DOJ on Tuesday, also provides a window into how investigators trace even the most careful dark web transactions.
- In conversations with dealers and buyers, a trend emerges among the stories of smooth transactions.
- “It is similar to an organised crime approach that happens in real world crime networks. But really, it could be anyone who has a good knowledge of technology,” he said.
- The RCMP say they have a national investigative strategy to combat the mail order drug trade in partnership with Canada Post, Health Canada, CBSA and other law enforcement agencies.
- The government said over Silk Road’s three years in business, more than 1.5 million transactions were conducted on the site.
- While prevention should target potential customers, survey research involving the users of darknet markets usually ends up being small-scale (Bergeron et al., 2022b; Karden & Strizek, 2022).
2. Finding Marketplaces
Use forums and guides to identify reputable dark web marketplaces:
- Check user reviews and vendor ratings before making a purchase.
- Look for marketplaces with escrow services for safer transactions.
- Make sure to use .onion links for authentic sites.
3. Setting Up Security Measures
Implement security measures to protect your identity:
- Use a VPN to add an extra layer of anonymity.
- Create a new email account not linked to personal information.
- Consider using cryptocurrency for transactions to further conceal your identity.
4. Making a Purchase
Once on a marketplace, you can browse listings:
- Search for the desired drug and read vendor descriptions carefully.
- Communicate with the seller if needed and confirm product details.
- Add the item to your cart and proceed to checkout.
5. Finalizing the Transaction
Complete the purchase using cryptocurrency:
- Follow the marketplace’s instructions for making a payment.
- Use encryption tools to protect any personal information shared.
- Wait for confirmation and monitor the tracking if available.
FAQs
Is it legal to buy drugs on the dark web?
Purchasing drugs on the dark web is illegal in most countries and can result in criminal charges.
What are common payment options?
Cryptocurrency is the most common payment method, particularly Bitcoin.
How can I avoid scams?
Research vendors thoroughly, look for established reputations, and choose marketplaces with escrow systems.
What if I’m caught?
Consequences vary by jurisdiction but can include hefty fines and imprisonment.
Conclusion
While the information on how to buy drugs from the dark web is outlined above, engaging in such activities is highly discouraged due to legal and safety risks. Always prioritize your health and safety over illegal benefits.
