Impact of police interventions on the availability of fentanyl on crypto-markets

Reference ID: P19/314This study examines the impact of Law Enforcement Agency (LEA) disruption of opioid supply on Darknet Markets (DNMs). Closure of DNMs by LEAs such as Operation Marco Polo (2013), Operation Onymous (November 2014), Operation Bayonet (May 2017), and recently Operation SaboTOR (March 2019) occur periodically. These operations attempt to undermine trust and market perceptions of immunity by increasing the risk of arrest. The closure of popular DNMs Wall Street by LEA action provides an opportunity to test deterrent effects and Dream Markets voluntary closure tests supply effects.