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Understanding the Risks of Finding Drugs Online
Assuming there was an increased use of online drug markets, the question remains why this happened during the pandemic. There are several plausible explanations, but two seem to be particularly likely. The first possible reason is that users adapted to the changing market and turned to online purchases in response to decreased opportunities to obtain their drugs of choice using traditional, face-to-face offline purchases. The second possible reason is that there was greater demand for drugs as COVID-19 and the resulting lockdowns led to heightened strains. All else being equal, the increase in demand for drugs would likely lead to an increase in purchases, including online purchases. The Tor browser employs sophisticated algorithms to mask the unique IP address of each computer, providing users with increased privacy and anonymity.
In an increasingly digital world, many individuals are curious about how to find drugs online. While the internet can provide access to a wealth of resources, it’s crucial to navigate this landscape with caution.
Why People Seek Drugs Online
We drug users need to share information about sources as much as possible to help each other through this ongoing crisis of drug poisoning deaths. At the same time, you never want to order an amount that could tip off the courier or postal service. 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.
Throughout the pandemic, more kids turned to social media to connect with others when in-person connection was challenging, if not impossible. But along with interacting with friends, some kids began communicating with people offering the opportunity to purchase drugs, many of which can be delivered directly to their homes. “They might be sharing in their Snapchat or TikTok or whatever they’re posting that they’re suffering from anxiety or things going on in their life and again groups or accounts troll on this and then go after them,” Feinberg explained. “Before you know it, they’re leading them down the path to these illegal drugs.”
There are various reasons why individuals may look for drugs online:
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- Convenience: The ability to order from home.
- Anonymity: Some prefer to avoid face-to-face interactions.
- Accessibility: Finding rare medications or supplements that are not available locally.
42% of confiscated pills tested in a lab were found to be laced with fentanyl, and contained at least 2 mg of fentanyl, which is considered a potentially lethal dose. Prospective buyers then respond to ads by commenting or direct messaging. To arrange the drug deal, the conversation moves to an encrypted communication platforms, like WhatsApp. As parents, we want to believe drugs will never be an issue for our kids. Since social media has come such a long way since the 80’s, will we ever experience a generation that won’t have been exposed to social media again? Well, not in my lifetime, but If time travel does become a possibility, then I would love to see a world once more where connection and education is ‘our’ experience, not something we see on Tik Tok.
By early 2020, COVID-19 had been identified in most countries, and by mid-March, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic (WHO, 2020). While responses to the pandemic varied (Capano et al., 2020; Sedgwick et al., 2022), many governments enacted lockdown measures that enforced stay-at-home orders (Welker et al., 2020). A number of our leisure activities also relied heavily on computing technology, including some people’s pursuit of illegal drugs. Those who seek to distribute illegal drugs via the internet must deal with a number of technological challenges to ensure that the deals do not draw the attention of law enforcement.
Steps to Find Drugs Online Safely
- Fake prescription pills, commonly laced with fentanyl and methamphetamine, are sold across most social media platforms, making them widely attainable.
- FOX 5 spoke to an expert who is helping people decipher the drug deals that can turn deadly.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, was responsible for more than 56,000 overdose deaths in 2020.
- The algorithmic system that tracks users’ every move uses each click, search, like, and friend request to create a personalized feed for every user.
If you are determined to search for drugs online, consider the following steps to reduce risks:
1. Research Licensed Pharmacies
Make sure to look for pharmacies that are fully licensed. Key factors to consider include:
- Check for accreditation from bodies such as the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).
- Confirm that the pharmacy requires a valid prescription for prescription medications.
- Read reviews to gauge the reliability of the pharmacy.
2. Evaluate the Website’s Legitimacy
Not all online pharmacies are legitimate. Verify their credentials:
- Look for a physical address and a pharmacist’s contact information.
- Avoid sites that offer medications without a prescription.
- Beware of prices that seem too good to be true; they often indicate counterfeit products.
Reducing Your Risk
3. Understand the Legal Implications
It’s essential to be aware of the laws governing drug procurement online that vary by country:
- Research local regulations regarding drug purchasing.
- Understand the legal repercussions of acquiring controlled substances.
- Be cautious about shipping regulations that may apply to various drugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is it legal to buy drugs online?
A1: The legality depends on your location and the type of drug. Always check local laws before purchasing.
Q2: How can I tell if an online pharmacy is legitimate?
A2: Look for pharmacy accreditation, require prescriptions, provide contact information, and read customer reviews.
Q3: What should I do if I receive counterfeit drugs?
A3: Contact local authorities or a regulatory agency to report the incident. Never consume counterfeit drugs.
Q4: Are there safer alternatives to purchasing drugs online?
A4: Consult with healthcare professionals for legitimate prescriptions and explore local pharmacies for safe options.
Conclusion
Although there is a demand for how to find drugs online, it is crucial to approach this endeavor with a high degree of caution. By conducting thorough research and understanding the legal and health implications, individuals can safeguard themselves against potential risks associated with online drug purchases.
