Research conducted by Healthnewsin cooperation with Cybernewsreveals the prevalence of GLP-1 weight loss medications on the dark web. The team found listings on three major dark web markets, including semaglutide, liraglutide, or tirzepatide as active ingredients. Over just one week of research, 23 different dark web GLP-1s were found, amounting to over 1,000 orders.
According to Healthnews, most distributors are located in Europe, despite GLP-1 manufacturing predominately in the U.S. On the dark web, prices for GLP-1s range from $7 to 84 per mg, far below the U.S. market rate. Based on the research, semaglutide dominates the dark web market, with tirzepatide and liraglutide following behind in popularity.
Notably, there is no way to know that these drugs are legitimate. While the price may seem like a steal, there is no proof that these medications claiming to be GLP-1s have been approved for safety or efficacy. Even dosage may not be accurate, creating the risk of overdoses. The FDA has also issued warnings related to unapproved GLP-1 medications, which have resulted in hospitalizations.
Aside from the potential serious health risks, the dark web is also an illegal market.
"The legal risks are severe and compounded by the likelihood of law enforcement monitoring dark web activity," criminal defense attorney at Dhar Law, LLP, Vikas Dhar tells Healthnews. "Coupled with the potential for counterfeit or dangerous controlled substances, buying GLP-1 meds on the dark web is highly inadvisable."
