One dark web marketplace – the since-retired “ASAP Market” – was particularly selective about enforcing its apparent “no fentanyl” policy. The illicit trade in fentanyl – a powerful opioid between 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine – is a deadly enterprise that spans organized crime groups in China, Mexico and much of the western world. And in 2023, American enforcement agencies seized enough fentanyl to kill every citizen of the United States.
Despite all of the anonymizing features making up the dark web, using your credit card to buy drugs leaves an obvious and easily traceable footprint. Making a transaction in crypto is a much safer option for anyone looking to buy illicit goods. The upper layer contains all web pages indexed by search engines like Google, the Renaissance Recovery website, for example.
Legal Uses Of The Dark Web
Can You Still Buy Drugs on the Dark Web?
Authorities reported seizing 850 kilograms of drugs—including the deadly fentanyl – €50.48 million in cash and cryptocurrencies, and 117 firearms. A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Long has been a writer for Landmark Recovery since 2021. He specializes in research dark web monitoring services and writing about substance abuse from a scientific and social perspective. Unearthing information from underexplored, far-flung corners of the Internet, Long’s passion is finding emerging trends in substance use and treatment that the public should know about.
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The dark web has long been associated with illicit activities, including the sale of drugs. However, with increasing efforts by law enforcement agencies to shut down these illegal marketplaces, one might wonder if it’s still possible to buy drugs on the dark web.
Some of us who use drugs are lucky enough to have physical access to a safe supply. The anecdotally reported lower presence of unwanted fentanyl in dark-web drugs is an attraction for many in an era when opioid markets have been flooded with it. And if unwanted fentanyl does crop up online, buyers can easily warn each other by way of the review system or the forums.
Associated Data
The Current State of the Dark Web
If one of our articles is marked with a ‘reviewed for accuracy and expertise’ badge, it indicates that one or more members of our team of doctors and clinicians have reviewed the article further to ensure accuracy. This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure FHE Health is trusted as a leader in mental health and addiction care. This might seem like a good thing, as having a “bad trip” resulted in many hospitalizations. However, it’s also much easier to become hooked or to develop a serious drug habit. Too many high-quality drugs can also result in hospitalizations or even death.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It requires the use of special software, such as the Tor browser, to access. While the dark web was once a haven for criminal activity, recent crackdowns by law enforcement have made it more difficult to find active drug marketplaces.
According to a report by the Global Drug Survey, the number of people using the dark web to buy drugs has decreased in recent years. This is likely due to a combination of factors, including the increased difficulty in accessing the dark web, as well as the rise of alternative methods for buying drugs, such as social media platforms and encrypted messaging apps.
Risks Associated with Buying Drugs on the Dark Web
Even if you are able to find an active drug marketplace on the dark web, there are still significant risks associated with buying drugs online. These risks include:
- Quality control: There is no way to verify the quality or purity of the drugs being sold on the dark web. This means that you could end up with a product that is not what you expected or is contaminated with other substances.
- Scams: There are many scams on the dark web, and it can be difficult to tell the difference between a legitimate seller and a scammer. This means that you could end up losing your money without receiving any drugs in return.
- Legal consequences: While the dark web is intended to provide anonymity, there is always a risk that your how to get into dark web activities could be traced back to you. This could result in legal consequences, including arrest and prosecution.
Alternatives to Buying Drugs on the Dark Web
Given the risks associated with buying drugs on the dark web, it’s important to consider alternative methods for obtaining drugs. These alternatives include:
- In April last year, German and US authorities shut down Hydra, the then-highest grossing dark web market with an estimated revenue of €1.23 billion, according to Europol.
- Accessed with an app, the Tor network allowed users to anonymously browse Silk Road without the threat of traffic monitoring.
- Dark web forum admins have always been wary of newcomers and visitors, routinely screening for law enforcement (often ineffectively).
- Dark web visitors have turned to sites like Dread, which is similar to a dark web version of Reddit, for information.
- Prescription medications: If you have a legitimate medical condition, it’s important to speak with your doctor about obtaining prescription medications. These medications are subject to quality control measures and are legal to possess with a valid prescription.
- Therapy and counseling: If you are struggling with addiction, therapy and counseling can be an effective way to address the underlying issues that are driving your drug use.
- Support groups: Support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous, can provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals who are struggling with addiction.
Conclusion
While it is still possible to buy drugs on the dark web, the risks associated with doing so are significant. It’s important to consider alternative methods for obtaining drugs, such how much are drugs on the dark web as prescription medications, therapy and counseling, and support groups. If you are struggling with addiction, it’s important to seek help and support as soon as possible.
