Despite the government’s efforts to destroy all darknet marketplaces, this year’s Global Drug Survey has proven that they're stronger than ever. According to its latest stats, the corners of the Internet have become the go-to for many modern-day drug users; with 8,058 participants now opting to buy their narcotics online.

The annual survey revealed that eight per cent of the 101,313 people questioned had used the dark web to buy their drugs – a significant jump in comparison to other years (5,000 in 2015 and 2,000 in 2014). The countries that saw the sharpest rise were Sweden, Scotland, and the UK; with cryptomarket activity in the latter almost quadrupling in the last year.

“Our findings also demonstrate how a country’s existing drug laws and market may influence the attractiveness of buying drugs online,” the survey explains. “The low but stable level of darknet involvement in Portugal, where people can access cheap, good quality drugs with nil criminal penalty risk, sits in sharp contrast to the stable but high rates of involvement in Sweden, which boasts restrictive drug policies.”

The results also give an insight into the most commonly bought darknet drugs, with MDMA topping the charts by over 10 per cent. Cannabis, LSD, and novel psychoactive substances – aka ‘legal’ highs – were also popular. The most frequent crypto-buyers tended to be younger (aged between 22 and 24) males with university degrees, who enjoyed “clubbing less than monthly.”

Darknet markets have been in operation since the launch of Silk Road in 2011. Accessible only by using an IP blocker and the decentralised Bitcoin, they allow users to buy illegal products in the safety of their own homes; completely cutting out any awkward dealer chat and dodgy alleyways. Despite these benefits, though, it’s not entirely risk-free. “Exit scams, where market owners close the market unexpectedly and steal the funds, have become commonplace”, the survey claims. 

“Despite numerous state-led efforts to police, close down or otherwise disrupt darknet markets, data from GDS show these markets are not only resilient but appear to be thriving in many countries,” it adds. “With range of product, quality, convenience and increased personal safety remaining the main attractions it is difficult to see anything but ongoing growth for darknet sales.”

Take part in the Global Drugs Survey study which covers drug vaping, psychedelics and harm reduction here