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Understanding Darknet Drug Trafficking
Yet authorities in the US and Europe are increasingly moving to halt the sale of illegal products on the dark web. 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. Authorities reported seizing 850 kilograms of drugs—including the deadly fentanyl – €50.48 million in cash and cryptocurrencies, and 117 firearms. Information Systems Research is a premier peer-reviewed scholarly journal focused on the latest theory, research and intellectual development to advance knowledge about the effective and efficient utilization of information technology.
By examining the third hypothesis, we will get to know the respondents’ attitudes toward the opportunities available online, and we will be able to tell what proportion of customers would choose to purchase online or offline. The cases stemming from the investigation into the “Stealthgod” organization are being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California’s International Narcotics, Money Laundering and Racketeering Section.
As with everything else during the year of the Covid-19 pandemic, contactless drug peddling was identified as an accelerating trend. Even before Covid-19, though, the accessibility of drugs had begun widening, with dealers turning to social media and even popular e-commerce platforms to peddle their wares. Currently it is cannabis, which has been fully legalized across several states in the U.S., that dominates darknet sales. Meanwhile, marketing on the “clear web” often involves new psychoactive substances (NPS) and those used in the making of synthetic drugs, including precursor chemicals. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and multiple other law enforcement agencies to investigate Okparaeke’s case. Until now, international authorities had faced the challenge posed by drug trafficking on the dark web by shutting down the websites used to manage such illegal business.
The darknet has emerged as a significant player in the arena of illegal activities, particularly in drug trafficking. This hidden part of the internet facilitates transactions that evade traditional law enforcement efforts, making it a breeding ground for illicit trade.
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. 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).
As with everything else during the years of the Covid-19 pandemic, contactless drug peddling was identified as an accelerating trend. “Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, more people have turned to the darknet than ever before to buy drugs,” Deputy Atty. In addition to seizing $31 million in cash and digital currency, investigators also seized 45 handguns, Justice Department officials said. Chicago is among the FBI field offices now executing “knock and talk” actions against drug buyers, telling them their dark web purchases have not been anonymous. From coast to coast and around the world, a small global army of heavily armed and specially trained agents are now targeting the dark web fentanyl sakes on websites that aren’t nearly as difficult to reach as the name might suggest. Garland described the cartel’s fentanyl trafficking operation as “the largest, most violent, and most prolific” in the world.
Law enforcement officials in the U.S. and Europe have arrested 150 people and seized more than $31 million in an international drug trafficking investigation stemming from sales on the darknet, the Justice Department said Tuesday. As dark web forums function as a global digital town square for cyber criminals to discuss, share, and trade illegal products, drug trafficking is also inherently present on these sites. There are two types of forums, one that is solely dedicated to drug-related content, like The Majestic Garden. Other dark web forums host a variety of illegal discussions, such as forums like Dread, but they have a dedicated section for drug-related discussions and trade.
What is the Darknet?
Drug sellers and buyers navigate within cryptomarkets depending on the changing landscape and their specific requirements. This system generates an informal feedback loop allowing dealers to make more rapid decisions about what segments of the market to service. Law enforcement agencies seized over $31.6 million in cash and virtual currencies and approximately 234 kilograms of drugs worldwide, including amphetamines, cocaine, opioids and MDMA during the 10-month-long operation. The Justice Department said investigators also collected more than 200,000 pills of ecstasy, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methamphetamine. Anonymity and encryption are the main factors contributing to the operation of drug trafficking on darknet markets, according to a number of previous studies.
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. To protect yourself and your loved ones, it is important to only buy medications from reputable sources and be aware of any red flags that may indicate a fake or unlicensed pharmaceuticals.
The darknet comprises networks that require specific software and configurations to access, such as Tor. This environment allows users to remain anonymous, which is a major allure for individuals engaged in criminal activities.
The Mechanics of Darknet Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking on the darknet typically involves the following steps:
- 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.
- Cryptocurrencies, though not directly linked to the dark web, are often used for transactions on websites on the darknet.
- “The use of darknet marketplaces and cryptocurrency will not protect dangerous criminals from law enforcement efforts to combat the flow of narcotics and other illegal activities,” said U.S.
- For the first time, FBI agents from all the bureau’s field offices also visited buyers to tell them about the overdose danger of pills sold online, which are often disguised to look like prescription drugs.
- Accessing Platforms: Users access hidden marketplaces like Silk Road or AlphaBay, which facilitate the sale of illegal drugs.
- Product Listings: Sellers create listings for various narcotics, providing details such as price, quantity, and seller ratings.
- Payment Methods: Transactions are usually conducted using cryptocurrencies, enhancing anonymity and complicating traceability.
- Shipping: Once payment is received, the seller discreetly ships the products to the buyer’s address, often using techniques to mask the contents.
The Impact of Darknet Drug Trafficking
The implications of darknet drug trafficking are substantial, affecting public health, law enforcement, and legal frameworks.
- Public Health Crisis: The availability of drugs on the darknet contributes significantly to the opioid epidemic and other substance abuses.
- Law Enforcement Challenges: The anonymity provided by the darknet makes it difficult for authorities to track and apprehend individuals involved in drug trafficking.
- Regulatory Responses: Governments are developing new technologies and laws to combat the challenges posed by the darknet, including enhanced surveillance and stricter punishments for offenders.
Preventive Measures
To combat the rise of darknet drug trafficking, several strategies can be implemented:
- Increased Awareness: Educational programs to inform the public about the risks of darknet drug use.
- Collaboration: International law enforcement agencies must cooperate to share intelligence and resources.
- Technological Innovations: Developing advanced tracking systems to identify and dismantle darknet drug markets.
FAQs About Darknet Drug Trafficking
Q1: What types of drugs are commonly trafficked on the darknet?
A1: Commonly trafficked substances include opioids, cocaine, Methamphetamine, and various psychedelics.
Q2: Is it legal to browse the darknet?
A2: Accessing the darknet itself is not illegal; however, engaging in illegal activities, such as purchasing drugs, is against the law.
Q3: How can I protect myself from the risks associated with darknet drug trafficking?
A3: Avoid engaging in illegal drug use and support local programs aimed at addiction recovery and education.
Conclusion
Darknet drug trafficking represents a growing challenge for society, affecting health, safety, and legal structures. As technology evolves, so too must the strategies to combat these pervasive issues.
