Platform information, features, and security systems
DrugHub launched in August 2023, building on experience from previous successful platforms. The team behind the project previously operated other well-known marketplaces, bringing years of operational knowledge to DrugHub. From the beginning, the focus centered on security-first design principles rather than rapid growth at the expense of user protection.
Since launch, DrugHub has grown to serve hundreds of thousands of users worldwide. The vendor base includes over four thousand verified sellers offering products across multiple categories. Monthly transaction volume reaches significant figures, demonstrating sustained trust from the community. DrugHub maintains active presence on Dread forum for community engagement and official announcements.
DrugHub operates exclusively over the Tor network, accessible only through .onion addresses. This architecture prevents IP address exposure for both the platform and its users. All connections benefit from Tor's onion routing, which encrypts traffic through multiple relays before reaching the destination.
All sensitive communications require PGP encryption. Users must upload a valid public key before participating in transactions. Messages containing addresses, order details, or personal information must be encrypted using the recipient's public key.
DrugHub provides verification tools to confirm message authenticity. Signed messages prove that communications originate from claimed senders. This prevents impersonation attacks where attackers pretend to be legitimate users or staff.
Key rotation is encouraged. Users should generate new keypairs periodically and update their profiles accordingly. Old keys should be revoked through standard PGP procedures.
DrugHub exclusively accepts Monero (XMR) for all transactions. Unlike Bitcoin where transaction history remains permanently visible on the public blockchain, Monero provides privacy by default. Ring signatures, stealth addresses, and RingCT hide sender, receiver, and amount information.
No Bitcoin, Litecoin, or other cryptocurrencies are accepted. This decision prioritizes user privacy over convenience. Users must acquire Monero before participating in transactions.
DrugHub never holds custody of user funds. A walletless design means deposits go directly into multisig escrow addresses. This eliminates the risk of exit scams where marketplace operators drain hot wallets.
Transactions use 2-of-3 multisignature escrow. Three keys exist: buyer, vendor, and platform. Releasing funds requires signatures from any two parties. Normal transactions complete when buyer and vendor agree.
Disputes involve platform mediation. Staff review evidence from both parties before deciding which party receives the funds. This provides protection against both non-delivery and false claims.
The escrow system protects against vendor exit scams. Funds remain locked until delivery confirmation. Vendors cannot receive payment without providing the agreed goods or services.
All vendors undergo verification before listing products. The application process includes identity verification (pseudonymous), capability demonstration, and security deposit requirements. Only about 35% of applicants receive approval.
Security deposits range from $500 to $1000 in XMR depending on category. These deposits incentivize honest behavior. Vendors forfeit deposits for serious rule violations or exit scams.
Ongoing monitoring tracks vendor performance. Rating systems and transaction history provide transparency. Vendors with poor records face suspension or permanent bans.
DrugHub introduced a lab verification program covering approximately 90% of listings. Third-party testing verifies product purity, identifies contaminants, and confirms weight accuracy. Verified listings display badge indicators.
Testing results include percentage purity, adulterant detection, and dosage verification. This program reduces harm by ensuring products match their descriptions. Users can make informed decisions based on objective data.
Gold, Silver, and Bronze badges indicate verification levels. Gold requires multiple consistent tests. Silver requires single verification. Bronze indicates vendor-submitted lab results pending independent confirmation.
DrugHub offers PGP-based passwordless authentication. Users can log in by decrypting a challenge message with their private key. This eliminates password theft through phishing or keyloggers.
Traditional username/password login remains available for users who prefer it. Two-factor authentication options include PGP-based challenges rather than SMS or TOTP which can be intercepted.
Account recovery procedures require PGP verification. Without access to your private key, account recovery becomes impossible by design. This prevents social engineering attacks against support staff.
DrugHub maintains approximately 92% uptime despite frequent DDoS attacks. Protection systems filter malicious traffic while allowing legitimate users to connect. Multiple mirror addresses ensure availability when individual links face attacks.
Mirror rotation helps evade attackers who target specific addresses. When one mirror becomes unavailable, others continue operating. Users should bookmark multiple verified mirrors.
Status monitoring provides real-time information about mirror availability. Check the official announcement channels for current working addresses during extended outages.
Unlike traditional marketplaces that hold user deposits in hot wallets, DrugHub never takes custody of funds. Payments go directly from buyer wallets to multisig escrow addresses. The platform only participates in signing transactions.
DrugHub design eliminates the primary exit scam vector. Operators cannot drain user funds because no accumulated balance exists. Even if attackers compromise the platform, user deposits remain protected.
The tradeoff involves slightly more complex transaction flows. Users must initiate escrow funding rather than depositing to a general balance. Most consider this acceptable given the security benefits.
Platform launch by experienced team with prior marketplace operation background. Initial focus on establishing trust through security-first design. Core features including multisig escrow and PGP requirements implemented from day one.
Migration to Monero-exclusive payments, removing Bitcoin support entirely. Acquisition of SuperMarket user base in first-known darknet marketplace M&A transaction. Lab verification program introduced with 90% listing coverage.
Absorbed users from competitors facing seizure or exit scams including Archetyp and Abacus. Expansion of vendor base and product categories continued.
Independent security researchers identified infrastructure concerns during 2025. Users should exercise appropriate caution and monitor official channels for security updates.
~80% of listings
Various categories including cannabis, stimulants, pharmaceuticals, and research chemicals
~10% of listings
Software, accounts, tutorials, and digital services
~5% of listings
Identity documents and related services
~5% of listings
Various products and services not fitting other categories
DrugHub implements security features beyond most competitors. This comparison highlights key differences:
Buyers pay no additional fees beyond the listed product price. Escrow fees are included in the price. Monero network transaction fees apply when sending payments (typically under $0.01 per transaction).
Vendors pay a commission on each sale ranging from 2-5% depending on volume and category. Initial vendor bonds range from $500-1000 XMR (refundable upon good standing exit). Listing fees are minimal and vary by category.
DrugHub withdrawals incur only the standard Monero network fee (approximately $0.01). The platform does not add additional withdrawal fees. Minimum withdrawal amounts apply based on current network conditions.
Support requests are submitted through the internal ticket system. Staff respond within 24-48 hours for most inquiries. Priority handling is available for urgent security issues. All communications through the support system should be PGP encrypted when containing sensitive information.
Disputes begin when either party raises an issue during the escrow period. Both parties submit evidence through encrypted messages. Staff review all available information before making a determination. Decisions typically occur within 72 hours of dispute initiation.
Evidence can include conversation screenshots, tracking information, photos of received products, and any other relevant documentation. Staff may request additional information before reaching a decision.
Escrow auto-finalizes after a set period if buyers do not take action. This period varies by shipping method: domestic orders typically 7-14 days, international orders 14-21 days. Buyers should mark orders complete or initiate disputes before auto-finalize to maintain protection.
DrugHub maintains community standards beyond legal compliance. These policies aim to reduce harm and maintain a functional trading environment. Violations result in warnings, temporary suspensions, or permanent bans depending on severity. Repeated violations escalate consequences. All users agree to these standards upon registration.
500K+
Registered Users
4,000+
Verified Vendors
20K+
Active Listings
92%
Uptime Average
Statistics are approximate based on public reports
DrugHub account creation requires only a username and password. No email at DrugHub or personal information is collected. You should set up PGP encryption before participating in transactions. Complete the security guide before accessing the DrugHub market.
Bitcoin transactions are permanently recorded on a public blockchain. Anyone can trace transactions between addresses. Monero uses ring signatures, stealth addresses, and confidential transactions to hide this information. For user protection, only Monero is accepted.
Open a dispute before the auto-finalize period ends. Provide any evidence of non-delivery. Staff will review the case and make a determination. If the vendor cannot prove delivery, funds return to the buyer. Repeat offenders face permanent bans.
Lab testing is performed by independent third parties, not DrugHub or vendors. Results include testing facility information for verification. The DrugHub program significantly reduces the risk of adulterated or misrepresented products. Look for DrugHub Gold badges for highest confidence.
No. The marketplace operates exclusively as a Tor hidden service. Attempting to access without Tor is impossible. Never use Tor-to-clearnet proxy services as they can intercept your traffic. Download Tor Browser from the official torproject.org website only.
Check DrugHub PGP-signed announcements on Dread forum. Compare links from multiple trusted directories. Use the platform's own verification tool when available. Never trust links shared in public chats or social media without verification.
If you enabled PGP-based login, you can reset using your private key. Otherwise, account recovery may be possible through support if you can verify ownership. Without recovery options, the account cannot be accessed. This is a security feature to prevent unauthorized access.
Complete the security setup before accessing the DrugHub market.
Read the security guides carefully and configure your tools properly. Good preparation prevents common mistakes that can compromise your security. Take your time with the initial setup process.