Dark web sites use encryption software so their visitors and owners can remain anonymous—it’s why the dark web is home to so much illegal activity. Over 2.7 million active users browse the dark web every day, and many do so for legitimate reasons. Online markets selling drugs and other illegal substances on the dark web have started to use custom Android apps for increased privacy and to evade law enforcement. But even the strictest on-platform security protocols can’t necessarily keep dark net market users out of the hands of law enforcement. These markets host hundreds, or in some cases thousands, of people who sell drugs, commonly referred to as “vendors”. The dark web offers vital anonymity for vendors and buyers, who use cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin to process transactions.
Understanding the Darknet
The main reason for the online price premium, though, appears to be that dark-web drugs are of higher quality. If you order from someone with thousands of reviews you are unlikely to get a poison in place of a psychedelic, explains a regular buyer of LSD. The first striking finding is that drugs bought on the dark web are comparatively pricey (see chart 1). Even though buyers can browse for a bargain, in most countries a gram of heroin costs roughly twice as much online as on the street. The Economist has extracted data from the resulting 1.5 terabytes of information for around 360,000 sales between December 2013 and July 2015 on Agora, Evolution and Silk Road 2. For each transaction we know what was sold, the price in bitcoin, the date of completion, shipping details, the customer’s rating and the vendor’s pseudonym.
At various points in 2013 and 2016, large drug sales on the dark net approached a quarter of all cryptomarket drug revenue, the report said. But researchers found most drug sales on the dark web were under $100. The “dark web” is an internet shadow world where the good and the bad co-exist.
The darknet is a part of the internet that is not indexed by standard search engines. It requires specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. This makes it a hub for various illegal activities, including how to buy drugs on the darknet.
Brian, a writer, harm reduction supporter and avid drug consumer in his 60s, hasn’t ever bought directly from the dark web. Before the United Kingdom, where he lives, banned “legal highs” in 2016, he would purchase spice, mephedrone, kratom, salvia and psychedelics from specialty websites. He began doing this after the law cracked down on brick-and-mortar headshops. To this day, he still orders nitrous oxide from cream charger companies.
Why People Choose the Darknet
Most estimates suggest at least 5% of all web content resides on the dark web. A 2015 study of dark web content found over 50% of all material hosted was illicit. The fact that dark web content is inaccessible to search engines like Google is an asset for anyone looking to buy or sell illegal narcotics online. The fact that the dark web is highly anonymized and encrypted, however, also attracts illicit conduct. One study[1] estimated that 57 percent of dark websites facilitate illicit activity, according to the RAND report.
Here at Asheville Recovery Center, we focus on helping our patients get and stay sober. By teaching healthy coping mechanisms, trigger reduction, and more, we’re able to help our patients avoid relapse. To learn more about our programs and how we can help you, give us a call today. On top of all that, buying drugs from the dark web can get you arrested.
Popularity Is Growing
There are several reasons why individuals might turn to the darknet for purchasing substances:
All this produces a well-behaved price distribution like the one you’d find in any functional, legal 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. People may have previously bought or advertised drugs on non-dark websites like Craigslist, he said, but it was a tiny share of the market, with unsophisticated sellers and buyers. Hydra, a giant Russian-language darkweb marketplace that used cryptocurrencies for the sale and purchase of drugs, is also said to have used Binance to process more than $780 million. Separately, crypto researcher Chainalysis, hired by U.S. government agencies to track illegal flows, concluded in a 2020 report that Binance received criminal funds totaling $770 million alone, more than any other crypto exchange. A lot of social media companies, including Meta, TikTok and Snapchat, have policies that ban advertising, buying or selling drugs and some have made efforts to work with law enforcement to address the issue.
- Privacy – Transactions are often untraceable.
- Variety – Users may find a wider range of products.
- Accessibility – Drugs may be easier to obtain than through traditional means.
Steps to Buy Drugs on the Darknet
While discussing how to buy drugs on the darknet, it’s essential to understand the process and the risks involved.
1. Setting Up Your Device
Before diving into the darknet, ensure your device is secure:
- Install a VPN for additional anonymity.
- Download the Tor Browser, which allows access to .onion sites.
- Update your operating system and software to avoid vulnerabilities.
2. Accessing Darknet Marketplaces
Once your device is secure, you can visit darknet marketplaces:
- Search for popular marketplaces such as Silk Road, Hydra, or others.
- Join relevant forums for advice and recommendations.
- Always check for reviews and ratings of vendors.
3. Creating an Account
After choosing a marketplace, create an account:
- Use a unique username and password.
- Consider using a secure email address separate from your personal information.
- Enable two-factor authentication if available for added security.
4. Funding Your Account
Funding is typically done through cryptocurrency:
- Bitcoin is the most commonly accepted currency.
- Research how to acquire and use cryptocurrency anonymously.
- Consider using an exchange that values privacy.
5. Making a Purchase
After funding your account, you can initiate a purchase:
- Australia is so remote that sending drugs there is much more expensive, plus their customs officials are better at securing their border, notes David Décary-Hétu, a cyber-security expert at Montreal University.
- He specializes in research and writing about substance abuse from a scientific and social perspective.
- He exchanged Monero for Paxos Standard, a type of tethered cryptocurrency pegged to the US dollar, and then used BitLiquid to exchange that for cash.
- Browse available products and read descriptions carefully.
- Communicate with sellers if necessary for clarification.
- Place your order and select a secure delivery method.
Risks Involved
Buying drugs on the darknet is fraught with risk:
- Legal consequences – Law enforcement actively monitors online activities.
- Scams – Be aware of potential scams or seller fraud.
- Health risks – Unregulated substances can be dangerous.
FAQs
Is buying drugs on the darknet illegal?
Yes, purchasing illegal substances is against the law in most countries.
Can I get caught buying drugs online?
Yes, law enforcement agencies have various methods to track online transactions and activities.
What cryptocurrencies are safest to use?
Bitcoin is popular, but some prefer privacy-focused coins like Monero for added anonymity.
Conclusion
While understanding how to buy drugs on the darknet might be informative, it is crucial to consider the legal and personal risks involved. Engaging in such activities can lead to severe consequences, including legal action and health risks.
