In total, the value of bitcoin sent and received from KYC exchanges also more than doubled between 2019 and 2020 from $36 million to $73 million. Many of the counterfeit pills were made to look like common prescription drugs, said Anne Milgram, the administrator for the U.S. The operation “prevented countless lives from being lost to this dangerous trade in illicit and counterfeit drugs because one pill can kill,” Monaco said. In 2021, a record 107,622 Americans died from drug poisoning or overdose, with 66% linked to synthetic opioids like fentanyl, the Department of Justice said in a press release last year. In one case highlighted by DOJ, a Florida man was sentenced to 16 years in prison late last year after it was revealed that he and his co-conspirators had a list of more than 6,000 darknet customers to whom they trafficked fentanyl, heroin and meth.
Understanding Darknet Drug Trafficking
The darknet refers to the portion of the internet that is not indexed by conventional search engines, where anonymity and privacy are paramount. One of the most infamous and illicit activities found on the darknet is drug trafficking.
How Darknet Drug Trafficking Works
Later, when the DEA examined the Percocet tablets, they found they were laced with Carfentanil. It has always allowed some level of anonymous sharing between computer users with taboo or criminal interests. Child exploitation and pornography were main drivers to the darknet for some time. In the 1990s, these crimes against children made up about 85 percent of the darknet, Yingling said. Regarding profits, darknet vendors do not have to limit their trading to face-to-face interactions, and can instead sell drugs to a potentially worldwide customer base.
Darknet drug trafficking operates through a series of complex processes that involve buyers, sellers, and facilitators. The typical process includes:
- Marketplaces: Various platforms exist on the darknet, resembling traditional e-commerce websites where users can browse drugs for sale.
- Cryptocurrency Payments: Transactions are typically conducted using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, ensuring the anonymity of the parties involved.
- Escrow Services: To build trust, many darknet markets utilize escrow systems that hold the buyer’s payment until the product has been received and verified.
- Shipping: Sellers often use creative methods to disguise the drugs during shipping to avoid detection by law enforcement.
Their analysis provides a unique insight into the way the darknet is changing the illegal drug trade. Operation Dark HunTOR, stems from the takedown earlier this year of DarkMarket, the world’s then largest illegal marketplace on the dark web. At the time, the German authorities arrested the marketplace’s alleged operator and seized the criminal infrastructure, providing investigators across the world with a trove of evidence. Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) has since been compiling intelligence packages to identify the key targets. The U.S. operation was undertaken by the Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement team, an F.B.I.-led initiative created in 2018 to disrupt and dismantle the online sale of illicit drugs, weapons and other illegal services.
Peck and co-conspirators Kevin Fusco and Vincent Banner accepted payment in cryptocurrency and then mailed fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine nationwide using the U.S. Fusco was sentenced to 11 years in prison for his role in the conspiracy, and Banner is awaiting sentencing. Although, cracking down on sellers is an important aspect of ridding the market of illicit drugs dissuading buyers is also an important piece of shutting down these markets for good. If you have visited the dark web in order to look at or purchase illegal narcotics, then this can affect you directly. Even if you are not the distributor of the drugs, you can still be charged for buying or possessing illegal drugs as an end user.
An affidavit in this case outlines how Bermudez allegedly supplied methamphetamine to the “Stealthgod” drug trafficking organization and details negotiations involving transactions of 30 pounds and 40 pounds of methamphetamine. 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.
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. As for RuTor’s ownership, this post by user ‘ER1VD4PC’ alleges that new owners of the forum are the Khimprom syndicate, “a large cartel, but alas, already operating under protection,” according to the translation. Such claims couldn’t be fully validated and should be treated with certain grain of salt. Same time, RuTOR may be definitely named one of the longest living underground communities surviving challenging times for other Dark Web actors without significant issues.
Challenges of Darknet Drug Trafficking
While the darknet provides many advantages for those engaged in drug trafficking, it also faces unique challenges:
- Operation Dark HunTOR, stems from the takedown earlier this year of DarkMarket, the world’s then largest illegal marketplace on the dark web.
- WayAway also promotes the Monero anonymity enhancing cryptocurrency far more prominently than other regional DNMs.
- Specialized dark web explorers (GRAMS, DuckDuckGo, Ahmia, Torch, Hidden Wiki, etc.) enable them to access their desired market platforms.
- While the content is intentionally redacted for public distribution, the Telegram channels offering the services are the same.
- The Justice Department said the global operation led to the arrests of over 150 people and the seizure of large quantities of opioids and other drugs.
‘You Can Try To Hide In The Furthest Reaches Of The Internet, But The Justice Department Will Find You,’ Officials Say
- Law Enforcement Efforts: Governments worldwide are increasingly targeting darknet operations, employing sophisticated technologies to track transactions.
- Market Shutdowns: As law enforcement successes abound, numerous darknet marketplaces have been shut down, disrupting supply chains.
- Security Risks: Buyers and sellers risk scams and counterfeit products, as the lack of regulation leaves them vulnerable.
Impact on Society
The rise of darknet drug trafficking has significant implications:
- Increased Accessibility: Drugs that might be difficult to obtain in conventional markets are often more accessible on the darknet.
- Health Risks: Users may be unaware of the potency or ingredients of drugs purchased online, leading to increased health risks.
- Community Safety: The rise in illicit drug use can result in higher crime rates and degraded community safety.
FAQs about Darknet Drug Trafficking
1. What types of drugs are commonly sold on the darknet?
Common drugs available include opioids, stimulants, recreational drugs, and new psychoactive substances (NPS).
2. Can law enforcement track darknet transactions?
Yes, while transactions are anonymous through cryptocurrency, law enforcement can employ various techniques to track and analyze them.
3. Is it illegal to purchase drugs from the darknet?
Yes, purchasing drugs from the darknet is illegal in many countries and can lead to severe legal repercussions.
4. How can individuals protect themselves if they choose to navigate the darknet?
For those choosing to use the darknet for any purpose, it is crucial to prioritize security, such as using VPNs, ensuring safe payment methods, and protecting personal information.
The Future of Darknet Drug Trafficking
As technology evolves, so does darknet drug trafficking. The use of innovative tools and techniques will likely continue to challenge law enforcement and policymakers. Understanding the dynamics of this underground economy is essential for developing effective strategies to combat its growth.
