Understanding Darknet Drug Trafficking
To find out, our recent study surveyed 13 darknet drug vendors, via online encrypted interviews. The currency of choice is bitcoin, the digital crypto-currency, which can be exchanged easily enough for real world currency, and offers its users a high degree of anonymity. To help keep buyers anonymous, other developers have created clever “tumbling” services, which are a sort of micro-laundering system that obscures who is sending bitcoins to whom. The downfall of the Darknet drug empire is marked by high-profile busts and legal actions—a testament to the unwavering commitment of those safeguarding the digital frontier. As DigiALERT, we recognize the importance of not only detecting and preventing illicit activities but also ensuring that justice is served.
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). To overcome this issue, we selected a population whose members have characteristics that help them place themselves in fictitious purchasing situations on the darknet. This projective (third-person) technique can help when respondents do not want to reveal their real attitudes about something (Kumar et al., 2018) and has already been applied in cyber criminology (Parti et al., 2018).
But, in under three years since (i.e., between mid-2017 to 2020), there’s been a near 300% increase in growth in the size of this market (i.e., to $315 million). What makes this more important is the fact that drug markets on the dark web only emerged a decade or so ago. Investigators also found nearly $900,00 worth of cryptocurrency on TANG’s phone. Some of the money WU and others received was laundered by converting Monero – a form of anonymized cryptocurrency that is extremely difficult to trace or monitor – into Bitcoin.
The darknet represents a section of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines, providing anonymity to users. This hidden segment has become a hub for various illicit activities, with drug trafficking being one of the most prominent.
Indeed, many of the vendors on Tor Market in the early days were New Zealand-based and who only sold to local buyers. New Zealanders have a history of innovative solutions to the so-called “tyranny of distance”. They also have a relatively high level of digital engagement and online shopping habits by international standards.
The Rise of Darknet Drug Trafficking
Operation SpecTor was a coordinated international effort spanning three continents to disrupt fentanyl and opioid trafficking on the darknet, or dark web. The operation was conducted across the United States, Europe, and South America, and was a result of the continued partnership between JCODE and foreign law enforcement against the illegal sale of drugs and other illicit goods and services on the darknet. Operation SpecTor builds on the successes of prior years’ operations and takedowns of marketplaces, which result in the seizure of darknet infrastructure providing investigators across the world with investigative leads and evidence. JCODE and Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) continue to compile intelligence packages to identify entities of interest. These leads allow U.S. and international law enforcement agencies to identify darknet drug vendors and buyers, resulting in a series of coordinated, but separate, law enforcement investigations, resulting in the statistics announced today. The target group of the research, composed of potential customers, ranked the reliable delivery of goods (TF 18) as the most important trust factor when buying illicit drugs on the darknet.
The narcotics would then be removed from the maracas for example and would be repackaged and sent directly to the consumer via mail. It is alleged that the reseller of the opioid pills was paid nearly 24,000 Bitcoin during his time selling on the dark web. In the world of illegal drug trade, darknet markets have become a significant player in recent years.
Over the past decade, the popularity of darknet marketplaces has surged, enabling individuals to buy and sell illegal substances with relative ease. Some key factors contributing to this rise include:
- Anonymity: Users can mask their identities using encryption tools, making it difficult for law enforcement to track them.
- Accessibility: The dark web can be accessed with minimal requirements, allowing anyone with a computer to participate.
- Cryptocurrency usage: Transactions often occur in cryptocurrencies, providing another layer of anonymity.
- Decentralization: Many marketplaces operate independently, making disruption challenging for authorities.
The Rise Of The Darknet Fuels Illicit Drug Trade
How Darknet Drug Trafficking Works
- HOUSTON – More than 200 arrests were made and a record number of fentanyl and opioids were seized in what the Department of Justice called the largest international operation against Darknet Trafficking.
- 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 ring then sold the bitcoin online for cash deposits into their banks, using fake business accounts set up specifically for the drug proceeds.
- Earlier this year, five other alleged members of the narcotics ring were arrested on federal charges, and authorities made substantial seizures of narcotics and cryptocurrency during the probe, according to the U.S.
- Web pages displaying the group’s product look like any other legitimate online marketplace site with product listings, photographs of the products, prices and shipping details.
This includes licensed pharmacies, either in person or online, that require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. It is also important to be aware of any red flags that may indicate a fake or unlicensed pharmacy, such as offers of prescription drugs without a prescription, extremely low prices, or unprofessional websites. Counterfeit prescription drugs sold on the dark web pose a serious threat to public health. These drugs may be ineffective or contain harmful ingredients and can have potentially deadly consequences for those who take them.
Typically, darknet drug trafficking involves several steps:
- Accessing the Darknet: Users utilize special software, like Tor, to access hidden websites.
- Selecting a Marketplace: Numerous marketplaces exist, each with unique offerings and reputations.
- Placing Orders: Buyers browse listings, read seller reviews, and place orders, often using cryptocurrencies for payment.
- Shipping: Sellers dispatch products, utilizing various methods to evade detection, such as inconspicuous packaging.
Impact of Darknet Drug Trafficking
The implications of this illicit trade extend far beyond individual transactions. Some notable impacts include:
- Public Health Risks: The ease of access can lead to increased substance abuse and associated health crises.
- Law Enforcement Challenges: Authorities face significant hurdles in tracking and prosecuting illegal online activity.
- Economic Factors: Profits from darknet drug trafficking can fund other criminal enterprises.
Frequently Asked Questions about Darknet Drug Trafficking
What types of drugs are commonly trafficked on the darknet?
A variety of substances are available, including but not limited to:
- Stimulants (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine)
- Depressants (e.g., heroin, prescription opioids)
- Psychedelics (e.g., LSD, mushrooms)
- Research chemicals
What measures are in place to combat darknet drug trafficking?
Authorities employ a combination of strategies, including:
- Undercover operations to infiltrate marketplaces.
- Seizing websites and assets related to illegal activities.
- International cooperation to tackle cross-border trafficking.
- Educational programs targeting public awareness and prevention.
Is it safe to buy drugs from the darknet?
No, purchasing drugs from the darknet poses significant risks, including:
- Legal repercussions if caught.
- Potential harm from counterfeit or dangerous substances.
- Personal safety risks with potential scams or theft.
Conclusion
Darknet drug trafficking illustrates the complex intersection of technology and crime. While advancements in communication and payment systems foster anonymity, they concurrently challenge law enforcement and public health initiatives. The efforts to address the underlying causes and effects of this illicit trade remain crucial in promoting a safer society.
