A recent investigation led by The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) has uncovered startling insights into the accuracy of substances in drugs purchased online using crypto.
Contrary to the widespread belief that illicit substances obtained through this method are of higher quality and, consequently, safer, the study found that only 65% of the drugs analyzed contained the advertised substances.
Collaborating with the Australian National University, UNSW Sydney, and Canadian testing facility Get Your Drugs Tested, RMIT collected 103 drug samples from the darknet forum Test4Pay. The substances were subjected to analysis for purity and the presence of substituted chemicals.
Utilizing Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy alongside immunoassay strip tests, the research revealed that a mere 65% of the purchased drugs matched their listings. Alarmingly, 21% of the samples contained an entirely different substance, while 14% had the advertised drug mixed with other chemicals.
Cocaine, ketamine, 2C-B, and alprazolam emerged as the drugs most likely to be substituted with other chemicals, whereas MDMA, methamphetamine, and heroin generally contained only the advertised substances.
Crypto bought drugs are not the best
The study’s lead researcher, Dr. Monica Barratt, expressed concern over the findings, challenging the common belief that crypto markets provided a safeguard against adulteration or substitution. Despite the supposed accountability in these markets due to anonymous buyer reviews, the study suggests that drugs bought through crypto markets are still susceptible to these risks.
Cryptomarkets, known for enabling buyers to review purchases anonymously, theoretically incentivize vendors selling superior products, as those with inferior offerings are likely to receive negative reviews. However, Barratt emphasized, “our findings show prohibited drugs purchased from crypto markets are still not safe from adulteration and substitution.”
One factor contributing to the adulteration of drugs is the practice of mixing them with other substances, often aimed at maximizing profits. Adding substances that increase weight and perceived quantity allows sellers to command higher prices for their packages.
While recognizing the need for more drug-checking services in Australia, Barratt questioned the country’s reluctance to implement such measures. She clarified that these services don’t “green light” drug use but rather provide information on the known risks of specific drugs in a credible and non-judgmental manner. This, she believes, enables individuals to adjust their behavior and reduce associated risks accordingly.
The study’s findings shed light on the complexity of the crypto-purchased drug landscape and the potential need for enhanced safety measures in this domain.