Citation

Pergolizzi JV, LeQuang JA, Taylor R, Raffa RB. J. Clin. Pharm. Ther. 2017; 42(6): 790-792.

Affiliation

Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/jcpt.12628

PMID

28921578

Abstract

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: The "Darknet" ("dark web") has emerged as a means by which illegal drug buys and deliveries can be arranged with apparent anonymity and impunity. Healthcare providers should be aware of this growing source of illicit drugs. COMMENT: The "Darknet" refers to networks isolated from the Internet that cannot be accessed via conventional search engines. They require special software that is protected by special encryption. The initial legitimate use of a "Darknet" to conceal personal information against misuse or political reprisal is being exploited to conceal the identity of buyers and sellers in illegal drug transactions. Instructions on how to obtain access to the "Darknet" are readily available on conventional Internet web pages. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: The "Darknet" has changed the paradigm of illegal drug importation and distribution by providing a difficult-to-trace transaction, and delivery via legitimate couriers directly to the home.

© 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Language: en

Keywords

Darknet; Internet drugs; Silk Road; dark web