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Pooling their resources and manpower, they were using everything available to them to make a serious impact. A month later in mid-February, the Dream Market started to have problems. Finally, on May 2, 2023, the DOJ and J-CODE announced the successful results of Operation SpecTor, an internationally-coordinated operation formed to disrupt illegal drug trafficking on darknet markets. Operation SpecTor led to a record-breaking 288 arrests and seizures of 64 kilograms of fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances, plus $53.4 million in cash and cryptocurrency. The future of narcotics in darknet markets is a topic that has been widely debated for quite some time.
- The results show that vendors’ trustworthiness is a better predictor of vendor selection than product diversity or affordability.
- As with everything else during the year of the Covid-19 pandemic, contactless drug peddling was identified as an accelerating trend.
- Prosecutors presented evidence at trial showing that Shaughnessy sold multiple drugs, including fentanyl, carfentanil and pentedrone using the dark web, according to the attorney’s office.
- “Fentanyl was originally formulated as a medical drug, something that was used in … open heart surgery and in end-of-life care,” Westhoff says.
The first is that many dark web markets – though outwardly disassociating themselves from the fentanyl trade – continue to be either a willing or inadvertent intermediary for facilitating the purchase and sale of deadly opioids. Though volumes observed by Elliptic are comparatively insignificant to other facets of the global fentanyl trade, the failure of dark web markets to enforce their own rules raises the risk of them becoming a key facilitator in the future. The mortality rates from fentanyl consumption and increasing enforcement actions against dealers have even spooked many cybercriminals into steering clear from facilitating its trade.
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Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. It is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, to increase their potency. Unfortunately, fentanyl has also become a popular drug to sell on darknet markets, which are online marketplaces that operate on the dark web.
It’s a really fascinating listen so check out the episode Operation Bayonet if you want to know more because it was a pretty impressive operation the feds pulled off there. At the same time, multiple law enforcement agencies came together including Europol and the Dutch police to take down Hansa, the other darknet market. When AlphaBay and Hansa got taken down, the darknet community went into a tailspin. Vendors needed a platform to keep selling and buyers still wanted to buy drugs online. Despite all the paranoia and suspicion, users headed straight on over to Dream Market as their next dark market. OxyMonster was already registered on Dream when all this went down with AlphaBay and Hansa.
Why is Fentanyl Popular on Darknet Markets?
Fentanyl is popular on darknet markets for a few reasons. Firstly, it is highly profitable for sellers due to its potency. A small amount of fentanyl can be mixed with other drugs to create a large number of doses. Secondly, fentanyl is relatively easy to produce, making it accessible for sellers. Lastly, fentanyl is often sold on darknet markets as a substitute for more expensive drugs, such as heroin.
Which Darknet Markets Sell Fentanyl?
There are several darknet markets that sell fentanyl, including:
- AlphaBay
- Hansa Market
- Dream Market
- Wall Street Market
- Valhalla Marketplace
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Authorities in the U.S. and Europe arrested nearly 300 people, confiscated over $53 million, and seized a dark web marketplace as part of an international crackdown on drug trafficking that officials say was the largest operation of its kind. The challenge for law enforcement agencies is that drug trafficking organizations-or DTO’s as they are known are adept that working the dark web to sell fentanyl and coming up with the next police workaround. One month after the takedowns, OxyMonster became an official vendor on Dream Market and started shipping drugs to the US. With Hansa gone, he easily leveled up on Dream but what he didn’t know was that the DEA were watching what he was doing and trying to figure out who he really was. By August 2017, the DEA were following up on this tip jar Bitcoin wallet that OxyMonster was so keen to advertise.
Before we delve a little more into the UNODC’s recent findings, here’s a quick explainer on darknet marketplaces and how they evolved. Anne Milgram, who leads the Drug Enforcement Administration, said the illegally sold drugs are contributing to an alarming trend in the U.S. “These are the drugs that are driving the overdose crisis in America, with 250 people dying each day,” she said. The report says a further takedown of Berlusconi, a large, Italian based darknet market that had grown significantly in response to other market closures, was followed by onion link a significant decrease in overall opioid listings. The report shows the voluntary closure of Dream led to significant dispersal and displacement to both emerging and popular active and robust markets, resulting in an increase in overall listings of opioids. The markets, which sell a variety of contraband including illicit drugs, included Apollon, Empire, Dream, Nightmare, Tochka (aka Point), Berlusconi, Valhalla (aka Silkitie) and Wall Street. About 30 days later, inspectors accessed his page again, where they found similar fentanyl products for sale.
It’s important to note that these markets are constantly changing, and new ones may emerge while others may disappear. Additionally, law enforcement agencies are actively working to shut down darknet markets, so it’s possible that some of these markets may no longer be operational.
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How is Fentanyl Sold on Darknet Markets?
Fentanyl is typically sold on darknet markets in the form of powders, pills, or patches. It is often sold under various brand names, such as “China White” or “Apache.” Sellers may also use various code words or aliases to avoid detection. Buyers can purchase fentanyl using various cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin or Monero.
A new Reddit policy meant its content violated their rules and the subreddit had been removed. But the Dread forum was still up since it’s a forum on the darknet and more posts from mods started showing up there. They said Dream was rebuilding and would be opening again soon as a new dark how to access the black market market. While everyone was waiting for this new Dream Market to appear after Operation SaboTor, the feds got another win, [MUSIC] this time involving big-time vendors on Dream. Just nine days after Operation SaboTor was announced, on April 4th, three men were arrested in New Jersey.
FAQs
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and requires special software to access. It is often used for illegal activities, such as selling drugs or weapons.
Is it Safe to Buy Fentanyl on Darknet Markets?
No, buying fentanyl on darknet markets is not safe. Fentanyl is highly potent and can be deadly even in small doses. Additionally, darknet markets are often targeted by law enforcement agencies, and buyers may be at risk of arrest or prosecution.
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How is Fentanyl Produced?
Fentanyl is typically produced in illegal laboratories, often located in China or Mexico. It is made using various chemicals and precursors, many of which are also illegal.
What are the Dangers of Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is highly addictive and can be deadly even in small doses. It can cause respiratory depression, which can lead to unconsciousness or death. Additionally, fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, making it difficult to know the exact dose or potency.
How Can Fentanyl Overdoses be Treated?
Fentanyl overdoses can be treated with naloxone, which is a medication that can reverse the effects of opioids. However, fentanyl is so potent that multiple doses of naloxone may be necessary to reverse an overdose.
