Dark Web Traffickers Of Heroin, Methamphetamine, And Cocaine Prosecuted
Over 19 kilograms of MDMA, almost seven kilograms of Ketamine, nearly one kilogram of cocaine and more than 10,000 counterfeit Xanax pills were seized by authorities during the investigation. Investigators also recovered a computer with the “EastSideHigh” vendor page open, numerous packages containing MDMA and Ketamine, various shipping and packaging materials and a pill press from the office space in Stoughton. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to eight years in prison and three years of supervised release. Le was also ordered to forfeit more than 59 Bitcoin (currently worth in excess of $2 million), $114,680 in cash, $42,390 representing the proceeds from the sale of a 2018 BMW M3, along with other items including a pill press and currency counter.
Understanding the Cost of Drugs on the Dark Web
The dark web has become a notorious marketplace for various illegal goods and services, including illicit drugs. Many users are curious about how much do drugs cost on the dark web, as prices can vary significantly based on several factors.
Where trade names and generic names are given they are presented in this table as separate to reflect the nomenclature on the markets, however when analysed on a product by product basis they are combined. For example, Xanax (brand) and alprazolam (generic) are combined together in Fig. When considering the sedative market in other countries, caution needs to be exercised.
The data that was available was always imperfect and measured just a subset of people getting treatment, he said, but now that metric is gone. “We might have been able to talk about what percentage of folks received treatment previous to 110, at least in the criminal justice system area,” said Ken Sanchagrin, the commission’s executive director. A recent poll by DHM Research found nearly two-thirds of voters support bringing back criminal penalties for drug possession. “Fentanyl is always the big question for everybody right now because it’s completely just crashed onto the scene over the last four years,” said Chris Gibson, executive director of the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).
By signing up, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy & to receive electronic communications from Vice Media Group, which may include marketing promotions, advertisements and sponsored content. “Delivery times were so long at the start,” one darknet user, Rudi, told VICE News. Still, the demand for this designer drug is high, though officials believe they’re making some headway in catching and prosecuting those who are selling it online. Her brother, Victor Hernandez, remains jailed pending the outcome of his case. At the request of the prosecution, a judge ordered Hernandez be detained, concluding he is a flight risk and a danger to the community. “Investigative findings have identified Taylor as one of the most active members of the opiateconnect organization,” a Homeland Security agent wrote in an affidavit.
Early reports of pressed pills that contained fentanyl emerged from 2014 to 2015, although their prevalence remained relatively contained. Instead, powdered NPF, often marketed as heroin or blended with heroin, gained significant traction, gradually saturating illegal drug markets and, in certain regions, nearly superseding heroin. Since 2020, several states across the US have witnessed notable shifts in market dynamics, with NPF available more in counterfeit pill form rather than only in powdered form. As technology continues to advance, the illicit drug trade advances with it. Unlike in years past, the vast majority of wholesale drug transactions involving fentanyl are online. Utilizing “dark web” drug markets, drug dealers are able to purchase large quantities of fentanyl directly from international manufacturers and have it shipped directly to themselves.
Hallucinogens like LSD and mushrooms are more unlikely to be cut, Doe says, because they contain mere micrograms of active chemicals. But drugs taken in larger quantities – like MDMA or cocaine, which are both popular and potent stimulants – introduce a greater risk of adulteration. The Hatch-Waxman bargain struck nearly 40 years ago was predicated on the widespread availability of low-cost generics once branded patents expire. Importantly, removing inefficiencies and lowering prices in generic markets will not affect returns on investment in developing new drugs because the savings will come from downstream middlemen rather than drug innovators.
Factors Influencing Drug Prices
Several elements contribute to the pricing structure of drugs found on the dark web:
But that hasn’t deterred similar markets from facilitating the sale of drugs. Fentanyl drug traffickers are sentenced in court last year in Xingtai in northeast China’s Hebei province. The court sentenced at least nine fentanyl traffickers in a case that was the culmination of a rare collaboration between Chinese and U.S. law enforcement to crack down on global networks that manufacture and distribute lethal synthetic opioids.
- Type of Drug: Different drugs have varying levels of demand and availability.
- Quality: Higher purity substances typically come with a higher price tag.
- Seller Reputation: Established vendors with positive reviews may charge more.
- Geographical Location: Prices may vary based on the location of the vendor and the buyer.
- Shipping and Handling: Costs for delivery can impact the overall price for the buyer.
Typical Price Ranges
While prices fluctuate frequently, the following examples give a general overview of how much do drugs cost on the dark web:
- Marijuana: $10 – $300 per ounce, depending heavily on quality.
- Cocaine: $60 – $250 per gram, with quality being a significant factor.
- MDMA: $20 – $50 per pill, varying based on purity and demand.
- Heroin: $50 – $200 per gram, depending on quality and source.
- LSD: $5 – $20 per tab, with price influenced by potency.
Risks Involved
Purchasing drugs from the dark web poses numerous risks:
- Legal Risks: Buying illegal substances can lead to serious legal consequences.
- Quality Control: The lack of regulation means users cannot be certain of the drug’s purity and may receive dangerous substances.
- Scams: There is a high chance of encountering fraudulent sellers.
FAQs
What are the most commonly sold drugs on the dark web?
Commonly sold drugs include marijuana, cocaine, MDMA, heroin, and various prescription medications.
Are prices on the dark web cheaper than street prices?
- Strahm said the increase in demand for counterfeit opioid pills correlates with tighter restrictions on the legal prescription of opioids.
- 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.
- If it’s direct, you send proof of payment (bitcoin and Monero) and say what you want on [several secure, anonymous communicating platforms].
- For over a year, Howell and Mower received kilogram-quantities of cocaine from a darknet cocaine supplier and then re-sold that cocaine to their own customers in Colorado and across the country via their own darknet vendor account.
- Just three years later — in 2022 — they seized more than 32 million doses.
Prices can be competitive, but when you factor in shipping and potential scams, they may not always be cheaper than local street prices.
How can I pay for drugs on the dark web?
Many vendors accept cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, which provide a level of anonymity.
What should I do if I suspect a scam?
If you suspect a scam, it is advisable to report it to the platform administrators and to avoid making any purchases without proper verification of the seller.
In conclusion, understanding how much do drugs cost on the dark web involves considering various factors, including drug type, quality, and vendor reputation. It remains crucial for individuals to be aware of the significant risks involved in such transactions.
