Drug Trafficking

Abstract

In an increasingly intrusive era, the deep web is considered to be a bastion of privacy, while for others it is one of the most evil places to exist. The deep web is a part of the world wide web that cannot be readily accessed by conventional search engines, and a small part of it forms the dark web. The enshrouded nature and complex methodology required for access have made dark web a platform for carrying out numerous illicit activities, one of them being drug trafficking. This article explores how deep web and dark web operate, the trade of illegal drugs online in so-called cryptomarkets or dark net markets, the foundation and shut-down of Silk Road, the new cryptomarkets that popped up to take its place, the use of ‘the onion router' or TOR browser in this anonymous sale and purchase of illegal drugs, the role of encryption and cryptocurrencies, the existing and suggested tactics of the law enforcement to prevent internet-facilitated drug trafficking, and the future research areas.