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Understanding Darknet Drug Trafficking
International collaboration efforts became instrumental in dismantling major drug networks operating on the Darknet. Shared intelligence, coordinated operations, and the pooling of resources facilitated the identification and apprehension of key players in the Darknet drug empire. The success of these collaborative endeavors emphasized the significance of a united front against the increasingly interconnected world of cybercrime.
The rise of the internet has transformed many aspects of society, and one of the most concerning shifts has been the emergence of darknet drug trafficking. The darknet refers to a segment of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines and requires specific software to access.
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) released a proposal on Tuesday called “The Fight Against Fentanyl.” The proposal includes a number of new operations and expanding existing assets through increasing the Department of Homeland Security fiscal 2024 budget. Investigators used the market to purchase methamphetamine, pills containing fentanyl, the personally identifiable information belonging to numerous people and a United States passport, the charging documents say. A Slovakian man was indicted this week on charges that accuse him of running a darknet market that sold drugs and stolen personal information. That’s an interesting result that sheds some much-needed light onto the murky world of drug dealing over the darknet. It should help law enforcement agencies and policy makers allocate resources accordingly.
The operation targeting the “Monopoly Market” is the latest major takedown of sales platforms for drugs and other illicit goods on the so-called dark web, a part of the internet hosted within an encrypted network and accessible only through specialized anonymity-providing tools. This year’s law enforcement operation was accompanied by a public awareness campaign called Operation ProtecTor aimed to promote public safety and spread awareness of resources for those struggling with substance abuse and who go through extreme lengths to obtain opioids. JCODE has worked with every FBI field office in the country to facilitate outreach to households that have purchased individual amounts of opioids from the darknet.
Around November 2022 the Administrator of WayWay started a new thread about the planned launch for a new marketplace called Kraken. Notably, the Administrator of WayWay has exactly the same alias (aka “Kraken”) who described the news of decentralized infrastructure having multiple data centers and nodes for the new project. Kraken, a WayAway partner and exclusive drug market, has been hyped as the successor to Hydra since May 2022. WayAway also promotes the Monero anonymity enhancing cryptocurrency far more prominently than other regional DNMs. There is however a steep drop-off in activity between the top sellers who have done over 10,000 sales compared to the others.
This result is in line with the findings of a wide range of previous research, claiming that the highest risk of the online drug purchase process is in the delivery and receipt stage (Bancroft & Reid, 2016; Espinosa, 2019; Jardine, 2021; Lorenzo-Dus & Di Cristofaro, 2018). Although this survey study was not conducted among actual darknet market users, our findings and its extensive support by previous literature suggest that delivery issues indeed drive the recent stall in the volume of the darknet drug trade. Furthermore, examining the postal and other delivery services, including packet inspection methods and delivery protocols, could facilitate the evidence-based re-evaluation of delivery regulations and could ultimately affect customers’ decisions. Ultimately, reforming the protocols of delivery service providers and implementing targeted risk awareness campaigns could reduce both the supply and demand on darknet markets by influencing customers’ and vendors’ delivery-related risk perception. The fact that most of the respondents did not consider the registration option (TF 9) and payment with cryptocurrency (TF 13) to be essential trust factors contradicts the practice of darknet drug trade (Bahamazava & Nanda, 2022; Szigeti et al., 2023).
People are online more than ever and may also be more susceptible to illicit offerings. Among those arrested in the operation was Jonathan Patrick Turrentine, a 39-year-old Sacramento resident, who was indicted Thursday on federal charges of distributing controlled substances and one count of possession with intent to distribute and money laundering, according to the U.S. “The availability of dangerous substances like fentanyl on dark net marketplaces is helping to fuel the crisis that has claimed far too many American lives,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said in a Tuesday statement. “That’s why we will continue to join forces with our law enforcement partners around the globe to attack this problem together.”
- The darknet is a part of the internet hosted within an encrypted network and accessible only through specialized anonymity-providing tools, most notably the Tor Browser.
- As with everything else during the years of the Covid-19 pandemic, contactless drug peddling was identified as an accelerating trend.
- It seems a bit strange to conduct scientific research based on anonymous user reviews for illegal goods, but there’s no other form of empirical information out there.
- They also have a relatively high level of digital engagement and online shopping habits by international standards.
- At the heart of the Darknet drug trade lies the utilization of cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin, as an untraceable currency.
What is the Darknet?
The darknet is part of the deep web, a vast space hidden from normal internet users. Here are some key features:
- Privacy and Anonymity: The darknet offers anonymity through various means, such as encrypted connections and the use of cryptocurrencies.
- Accessibility: Anyone can access the darknet with the right tools, making it a global marketplace.
- Variety of Offerings: Apart from drugs, the darknet hosts forums, weapons sales, and other illicit goods.
How Darknet Drug Trafficking Works
Darknet drug trafficking typically follows a specific process:
- Product Listings: Vendors create listings for various drugs, including descriptions and prices.
- Payment Methods: Most transactions are conducted using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, providing anonymity to both buyers and sellers.
- Shipping: Once payment is received, the vendor ships the product, often using discreet methods to avoid detection.
Riverside Man Who Stole Doctor Identities, Ordered Drugs To Sell On Dark Web Sentenced
The Risks of Darknet Drug Trafficking
While engaging in darknet drug trafficking may seem convenient, it comes with significant dangers:
- Legal Implications: Buying or selling drugs is illegal, and law enforcement agencies are increasingly monitoring darknet activities.
- Fraud Risks: Many buyers fall victim to scams, receiving counterfeit products or nothing at all.
- Health Hazards: Unregulated substances pose serious health risks to users, often leading to overdose or poisoning.
Law Enforcement and Regulation
Authorities around the world are actively working to combat darknet drug trafficking:
- Increased Surveillance: Agencies utilize advanced technologies to monitor and track online activities.
- Joint Operations: Collaboration between law enforcement agencies globally has led to significant arrests and shutdowns of major darknet marketplaces.
- Education and Awareness: Campaigns aim to educate the public about the dangers associated with darknet usage.
FAQs
What is the most commonly trafficked drug on the darknet?
The most commonly trafficked drugs include opioids, stimulants, and hallucinogens, with popular options being fentanyl, cocaine, and MDMA.
How can law enforcement track darknet activity?
Law enforcement employs various techniques, such as blockchain analysis, undercover operations, and infiltrating darknet marketplaces.
Is it safe to buy drugs on the darknet?
No, buying drugs on the darknet is highly risky due to legal repercussions, scams, and the potential for receiving dangerous substances.
Can darknet marketplaces be shut down?
Yes, many darknet marketplaces have been shut down through coordinated law enforcement efforts, but new ones often appear to take their place.
Conclusion
Darknet drug trafficking represents a significant challenge for society, law enforcement, and public health due to its accessibility, anonymity, and the variety of substances available. Ongoing efforts to combat this issue are essential to mitigate the risks posed to individuals and communities worldwide.
