November 2017 - EMCDDA/Europol: Darknet markets play an increasing role in illicit drug trade, including NPS

Portugal/Netherlands – November 2017: Drugs and the darknet: perspectives for enforcement, research and policy, a joint publication by the EMCDDA and Europol, presents the latest understanding of how darknet markets function, the threats they pose to health and security and how Europe can respond. The report also includes an analysis of the market from late 2011 until early 2015, encompassing data from seven global darknet marketplaces. The data suggests that, in terms of value, the vast majority of sales during the study period originating from the EU originated from three countries: Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

The analysis indicates that new psychoactive substances are less commonly sold than illicit drugs on the darknet market, probably reflecting the significant role played by surface web sales in this sector. This may change, however, as these substances are increasingly being placed under control measures and other strategies are being developed to inhibit their open sale.

For more information, please see:

EMCDDA/Europol: “Drugs and the darknet – perspectives for enforcement, research and policy”
http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/system/files/publications/6585/TD0417834ENN.pdf