Social media drug markets – polish drug user’s experiences

• In Event: Online drug markets and their evolving dynamics

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent border closures significantly disrupted global commodity flow; however, the influx of drugs into Europe adapted swiftly to these new conditions, experiencing only minimal impact. This crisis has also accelerated the digitalization of drug distribution, with both vendors and users rapidly adjusting to online drug markets.
The increasing prevalence of online drug markets has transformed the accessibility of illicit substances across Poland, particularly due to the unique system of parcel machines that are available in even the smallest villages throughout the country.
As part of a project examining the phenomenon of online drug trafficking in Poland, both quantitative and qualitative data have been collected. Several thousand respondents participated in surveys regarding their experiences with purchasing illegal drugs online through social media platforms such as Telegram, Facebook, and Instagram. The findings from this survey illuminate user experiences, specifically focusing on various online drug markets, the availability and pricing of different substances, users’ familiarity with the purchasing process, and their perceptions of safety. Additionally, the study explores the decision-making processes of buyers and the distinctions they perceive between online and traditional shopping.

Author

• Adam Stasiak, Polish Academy of Sciences