A search for “Denver” and “Boulder” on the Kik messaging app returned dozens of results for groups dedicated to selling and buying drugs that were open to the public, the report showed. According to CBS News – Austin, emoji symbols are being used to thwart suspicion when completing illegal drug sales. Jared handed the Plug $50 through his driver’s window and left carrying a bag of mushrooms. Jared said when he got home, he ate the first mushroom and immediately felt the effects. Feeling pretty good, he ate one more, and that’s when things took a turn. He hallucinated heavily, believing the sun would crash into his home, and started panicking.
Buying drugs online and through social media or on the dark web can be extremely dangerous with fatal consequences. It might be that the drug that you think you are buying only forms small part of the product or is not even present at all. Illegal drugs are frequently made with other substances to bulk them out and increase the amount of money the seller makes.
Understanding the Online Drug Market
Encrypted messaging apps, such as Telegraph, Signal, or WhatsApp, are also commonly used by teens to buy and sell drugs within their peer group, or from a dealer who is commonly referred to as a “plug” online. These apps provide end-to-end encryption, making it more difficult for law enforcement, educators, and parents to intercept and read the messages. Recently, we were contacted by a parent who was concerned that their teen was using his cell phone to purchase illegal drugs online.
The expansion of the internet has led to numerous changes in how people access various goods and services, including pharmaceuticals. Many people search for information on where to buy drugs online, whether for prescription medications, over-the-counter options, or even controlled substances.
The dark web can be accessed only with specific software such as The Onion Router (TOR) and virtual private networks (VPNs). However, emojis aren’t the only code online drug dealers and buyers are using to make their transactions. Profiles that include a random capitalized T or acronyms in the title or bio are actually signaling they have an interest in “Tina” – a street name for meth.
The ED drugs and herbal remedies you buy on the internet aren’t always what they seem. An FDA investigation found that more than one-third of “dietary supplements” sold for ED actually contained prescription drugs, including sildenafil, the medicine in Viagra. If you want to order from a pharmacy not found on any of the lists of safe and legal websites, then be sure to look for the indicators noted above that will help you determine the safety and legality of ordering from that company. If you have insurance, you may be able to use your insurance to purchase your drugs online. Still, your cost will probably be the same at any pharmacy since the cost is a co-pay determined by your insurer’s formulary and tier pricing.
First, stay-at-home orders and other restrictions on in-person interactions would likely limit access to the offline drug-dealing networks one has. With online purchases, however, dealers and buyers need not interact face-to-face and postal deliveries would allow the illicit drug trade to operate even under lockdown (Barratt & Aldridge, 2020). Silk Road was the first dark market of its kind, and it’s best known for the buying and selling of illegal drugs online. Silk Road launched in 2011, and although it was shut down by the Federal Bureau of Investigations by 2013, it took less than a month for its successor, Silk Road 2.0, to launch. Silk Road 2.0 was then shut down once again in 2014, and the United States government later seized more than $1 billion worth of Bitcoin in November 2020.
Legal Considerations
Before delving into the available options, it’s essential to understand the legal implications of purchasing drugs online.
- Prescription medications can often be purchased through licensed online pharmacies.
- Buying controlled substances without a prescription is illegal in many jurisdictions.
- International laws may vary, making it crucial to be aware of regulations in your region.
As you can imagine, if you’re trying to buy illegal stuff, you don’t exactly want a paper trail leading back to you. That’s why people love Bitcoin, which is a digital currency that can be used completely anonymously. There are a couple different cryptocurrencies out right now, but Bitcoin is still the gold standard.
Where to Buy Drugs Online
Individuals interested in where to buy drugs online should explore various types of platforms. These can be categorized as follows:
- Licensed Online Pharmacies: These are verified, legal platforms that require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
- Marketplaces and eCommerce Sites: Some legitimate stores sell health products, including pharmacy items. Check for reviews and legitimacy.
- Illicit Websites: While these might offer lower prices, they often lack quality control and can pose significant health risks.
Features of Reputable Online Pharmacies
Where Do People Actually Buy Drugs From?
When searching for a safe platform to purchase drugs, consider the following:
- Many drug transactions occur on school grounds, where teens sell drugs to their peers.
- The majority of people who are actively using drugs need to resupply daily and do not want to go through the hassle of having to wait for a package in the mail.
- For those who can, surfing the dark web to find a vendor, or asking someone you know to do it, is an option.
- Think of the dark web as a hidden layer of the intranet that exploits communication technologies and monetary frameworks in order to facilitate the often illegal exchange of goods and services.
- Check for pharmacy accreditation (e.g., NABP, VIPPS).
- Ensure they require a prescription for prescription medications.
- Look for clear contact information and a registered address.
- Read reviews and feedback from other customers.
Risks of Buying Drugs Online
While the convenience of ordering medications online can be appealing, it also carries various risks:
- Fake Medications: There is a significant risk of receiving counterfeit products that could be ineffective or harmful.
- Health Risks: Medications obtained from unregulated sources may not follow safety standards.
- Legal Issues: Purchasing controlled substances without appropriate documentation may lead to legal consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it safe to buy drugs online?
It can be safe if you use licensed pharmacies that require a prescription. Always research the pharmacy thoroughly.
2. How can I tell if an online pharmacy is trustworthy?
Look for accreditation, user reviews, contact information, and prescription requirements.
3. What should I do if I receive counterfeit drugs?
Contact the pharmacy immediately and report to local authorities, especially if health was compromised.
In conclusion, understanding where to buy drugs online involves acknowledging the risks and legalities while prioritizing safety. Always conduct thorough research and engage with legitimate pharmacies to ensure a safe purchasing experience.
