Olivia PrentzelGeneral Assignment Reporter
Dream Market became the largest online marketplace for illegal drugs with the Dread Pirate Roberts finding his ship dead in the water. From drugs and stolen data to counterfeit goods of all descriptions, Dream Market thrived until the site was shut down in April 2019, the owner having been arrested two years previously. The value of these markets was estimated by the UNODC in September of 2018 to stand at $14 million (£11 million) to $25 million (£20 million) per month – a tiny fraction of overall illicit drug sales. Still, the EU has funded a three-year, €5 million (£4.5 million) project, project, TITANIUM, with the aim of de-anonymising criminal bitcoin users and providing “court-proof” evidence of underground market activity. Usually, it takes a few weeks for buyers to transfer to alternative or new sites.
Guide to How to Purchase Drugs Online
In today’s digital age, the Internet has transformed many aspects of our lives, including how we acquire medications. Understanding how to purchase drugs online safely and legally is crucial for anyone considering this option.
Understanding the Risks
Much like the surface web, the dark web is made up of friend-to-friend and peer-to-peer networks, along with larger popular networks like Tor, Freenet and Riffle. The most popular Tor network is Silk Road—an online black market that allows anonymous browsing without any traffic monitoring. This number means that we have assessed the drug and consider that its benefits outweigh its risks when used as directed on the label.
Before proceeding, it is essential to recognize the risks involved:
One Bristol-based darknet customer told me how he reacted when Dream and WSM closed. “I found URLs for Empire and Nightmare in then minutes, and then I found my usual vendor and scored ten tabs of LSD and 7g of MDMA ready for Glastonbury.” You may assume that the big chain drugstores have the best prices, but often this isn’t true. A recent Consumer Reports survey concludes that chains actually charge substantially more, with the exception of retailers like Costco and Sam’s Club.
- Legal Issues: Purchasing prescription drugs without a valid prescription is illegal in many jurisdictions.
- Health Risks: Drugs from unverified sources can be counterfeit or harmful.
- Privacy Concerns: Your personal information may be at risk with less reputable online pharmacies.
Check with an agency such as the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy to be sure the site is accredited for that service. How do you know you’re not going to get ripped off right away by sending your money to someone and hoping you will receive a package? But the internet, of course, has many places where dark-web and other online vendors are discussed. You may know someone who knows someone, or you may just experiment and get lucky.
Our survey of 2,200 American adults yielded just 93 people who had purchased prescription drugs online, so this small sample of buyers is subject to a much larger sampling error than applies to the total sample of respondents. Americans living in higher-income households ($50,000+ annually) and internet users with six or more years of online experience are more likely to have made such a purchase. Sixty-two percent of Americans think purchasing prescription drugs online is less safe than purchasing them at a local pharmacy. Twenty percent of Americans think such online purchases are as safe as local purchases. Eighteen percent of Americans responded that they did not know or that it depends on the situation.
International cooperation is underway to combat online sales of illegal and counterfeit medicines. Global press coverage of both operations was used to raise consumer awareness about counterfeit medicines. There are federal efforts underway to protect American citizens who utilize online pharmacies. Their concerns center on the many individuals who may not have the ability to recognize that their purchases may be fraudulent. Web-based prescription monitoring programs help curb drug abuse and are spreading across the US. These programs aim to stop patients from doctor shopping, prescription forgery, and reckless prescribing of controlled substances [11].
Steps to Safely Purchase Drugs Online
Here’s a structured approach to ensure a safe online purchasing experience:
- Seek a Prescription: Always consult with a healthcare professional to obtain a valid prescription for any medication.
- Research Online Pharmacies: Verify that the pharmacy is licensed and has positive reviews. Look for websites with the following:
- A valid pharmacy license.
- Contact information and a physical address.
- Accreditation from organizations like the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).
- Review Policies: Check the pharmacy’s privacy policy and return policy before making any purchases.
- Compare Prices: Different websites may offer varying prices for the same drug. Ensure that you are not overpaying.
- Check Payment Options: Use secure payment methods. Avoid services that require wire transfers or cash payments.
- Monitor Your Purchase: After placing an order, track the shipment and watch for any unexpected changes or red flags.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it legal to buy drugs online without a prescription?
- Another advertises “OG Kush PM” with a string of emojis—the flame emoji, followed by the Christmas tree emoji, and so on.
- Canada Post cannot open packages under 30 grams without a warrant—the law will vary in other countries—so I always keep my orders below that.
- Although not all pharmacies are willing to give you the price over the phone, many will.
- But the dark web also offers drug traffickers cover from police surveillance.
- During this same period, the CDC found the rate of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids increased over 56%.
No, purchasing prescription medication without a valid prescription is illegal in many countries.
2. How can I verify if an online pharmacy is legitimate?
Look for licensing and accreditation information, read customer reviews, and ensure they require a prescription.
3. What should I do if I receive a wrong or counterfeit medication?
Contact your healthcare provider immediately and report the incident to the regulatory authorities.
4. Are there risks associated with online pharmacies?
Yes, risks include receiving counterfeit medications, potential legal issues, and privacy concerns.
Educating yourself on how to purchase drugs online safely can help you avoid risks while accessing necessary medications conveniently. Always prioritize safety and legality when navigating online pharmacy options.
