The Dark Web, a hidden part of the Internet often associated with anonymity and unregulated trafficking, is increasingly becoming the focus of studies examining the illegal drug trade.

A recent study by RMIT University in Australia has revealed alarming results: more than a third of illegal drugs sold on the dark web do not contain the substances advertised. These findings highlight the risks shoppers are exposing themselves to and the need to combat this dangerous practice.

The alarming results of the study

Researchers at RMIT University, in collaboration with two other Australian universities and the Canadian testing facility Get Your Drugs Tested, analyzed 103 illegal drug samples obtained through a now-defunct dark web forum called Test4Pay.

The result is disturbing:

  • Only 65 percent of the samples actually contained the advertised substances.
  • 14 percent were laced with other psychoactive or potentially harmful chemicals.
  • 21 percent contained none of the advertised substances at all. In particular, products sold as “ketamine,” “2C-B,” and “alprazolam” were likely to have been completely replaced by other substances or new synthetic drugs, increasing the risk of adverse side effects, possible overdoses, and Deaths increased.

Deceptive security through reviews

An interesting facet of drug trafficking on the Dark Web is the rating system, which allows buyers to rate their purchases and, in theory, sanction sellers of inferior products.

However, the study shows that this system does not prevent the spread of counterfeit or adulterated products. Monica Barratt, a social scientist at RMIT University, points out the discrepancy between the perceived safety conveyed by reviews and the actual danger posed by these products.

Trend of drug procurement via social media

The study also highlights an interesting trend: While the number of drug buyers on the Dark Web has declined slightly, more and more people are using messaging apps and social media applications to obtain drugs.

However, these platforms offer no way to assess the quality of the drugs, which further increases the risks for users. Barratt is therefore calling for stricter controls and a more intensive look at the dangers of unregulated drug trafficking on the Internet.

Questions and answers about drug trafficking on the Dark Web

Question 1: How reliable are the drugs offered on the Dark Web?
Answer 1: More than a third of the drugs offered on the Dark Web do not contain the substances advertised, which severely questions their reliability.

Question 2: What are the dangers of buying drugs on the Dark Web?
Answer 2: Purchasing drugs on the Dark Web can lead to unwanted side effects, overdoses and even death, as many products are counterfeit or laced with more dangerous substances.

Question 3: What influence does the rating system on the Dark Web have on drug trafficking?
Answer 3: Although the rating system is intended to create a certain level of transparency, it does not prevent the spread of counterfeit or adulterated products.

Question 4: Why are more and more people using social media to buy drugs?
Answer 4: The shift to social media can be attributed to easier accessibility and the lack of a rating system, but this increases risks for consumers.

Question 5: What can be done against dangerous drug trafficking on the Internet?
Answer 5: Stricter controls and more education about the risks of buying drugs via unregulated platforms are necessary.

Conclusion

The RMIT University study highlights the serious risks associated with purchasing illegal drugs on the dark web. The high rate of counterfeiting and adulteration poses a significant threat to the health and lives of users. Rating systems do not provide sufficient security and the increasing shift of drug trafficking to social media is exacerbating the problem.

It is important to educate users about these risks and take regulatory action to curb dangerous online drug trafficking.

Source: press release

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