Drugs and the darknet: perspectives for enforcement, research and policy

This joint report prepared by the EMCDDA and Europol considers the latest findings from international research, fresh empirical data, and operational information and intelligence in order to illuminate how darknet markets function and how they relate to criminal behaviour. The publication adopts an EU focus of what is a global phenomenon. It is comprehensive but accessible and policy-oriented, intended to facilitate discussions at EU-level on how to respond to darknet drug markets, whilst identifying key priority areas that require attention and where activities are likely to have most impact.

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Background papers

These background papers were commissioned by the EMCDDA and Europol to provide background information to inform and contribute to the drafting of the main report. The EMCDDA and Europol are very grateful for the valuable contribution of the author. The papers have been cited within the report and are also being made available here for those who would like further information on the topic. However, the views, interpretations and conclusions set out in this publication are those of the author and are not necessarily those of the EMCDDA, Europol or their partners, any EU Member State or any agency or institution of the European Union.

• An EU-focused analysis of drug supply on the online anonymous marketplace ecosystem, Nicolas Christin, Carnegie Mellon University
• An EU-focused analysis of drug supply on the AlphaBay marketplace, Nicolas Christin, Carnegie Mellon University