Operational Manual:
How to Use Drughub

A complete, step-by-step technical walkthrough for new users. From configuring the Tor environment to finalizing an escrow transaction using Monero. Follow these protocols to ensure maximum anonymity.

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This guide is for educational and research purposes only. The authors do not condone illegal acts. OpSec (Operational Security) techniques described here are standard privacy practices applicable to journalists and whistleblowers.
PHASE 01

Environment Setup

Before you even think about accessing a Drughub URL, you must secure your digital footprint. Using a standard browser (Chrome/Edge) or a compromised operating system (standard Windows) is a critical error.

1. Operating System (Tails OS)

The gold standard for darknet access is Tails (The Amnesic Incognito Live System). It is a portable operating system that boots from a USB stick.

  • Download the ISO from the official Tails website.
  • Flash it to a USB drive (8GB+) using BalenaEtcher.
  • Boot your computer from the USB.
  • Why? Tails forces all connections through Tor and leaves no trace on your hard drive.

2. Tor Browser Configuration

If you cannot use Tails and must use Tor Browser on a desktop OS, follow these rules:

  • Set Security Level to "Safest" (disables JavaScript). Note: You may need to temporarily lower this to "Safer" for the Drughub captcha, then raise it back.
  • Never resize the window to full screen (prevents fingerprinting).
  • Do not install reliable add-ons or extensions.
PHASE 02

Cryptocurrency & Wallet

Bitcoin (BTC) is traceable. Blockchain analysis firms like Chainalysis can track BTC from a regulated exchange (Coinbase/Binance) directly to a darknet market wallet. Monero (XMR) is mandatory for privacy.

The Monero Workflow

The objective is to break the link between your identity and your spending.

  1. Buy Litecoin (LTC) or BTC: Buy on any exchange.
  2. Swap to XMR: Use a non-KYC swap service (like Cake Wallet, Trocador, or similar) to convert LTC -> XMR.
  3. Send to Personal Wallet: Send the XMR to your own wallet (GUI Wallet or Monerujo). NEVER send directly from an exchange to the market.
  4. Send to Drughub: Finally, transfer from your personal wallet to your Drughub deposit address.
PRO TIP: Always wait for 10 confirmations on the blockchain before panicking that a deposit hasn't arrived. XMR blocks are ~2 minutes.
PHASE 03

PGP Encryption (Mandatory)

You cannot safely use Drughub Market without PGP. It is used for two things: Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and encrypting your delivery address.

Generating Keys

Use Kleopatra (Windows) or the "Passwords and Keys" tool (Tails).
1. Create a new Pair.
2. Name: [Your User], Email: [Leave Blank].
3. Set a strong passphrase.
4. Export your "Public Key" (this is what you share).
5. Keep your "Private Key" secret.

Setting up 2FA

Once you register an account on Drughub:

  • Go to Settings -> Security.
  • Paste your Public Key.
  • Tick "Enable 2FA".
  • The site will give you an encrypted message. Decrypt it with your Private Key to reveal the verification code.
PHASE 04

Navigation & Ordering

Now that you are secure, funded, and verified, you can browse.

Vendor Selection

Do not blindly trust listings. Analyze the vendor:

  • Level/Trust Score: Look for Level 5+ vendors.
  • Recent Feedback: Check reviews from the last week. Are they generic? They might be bots. Look for detailed feedback.
  • Dread Threads: Search the vendor's name on Dread (the darknet forum) to see if there are scam reports.

Placing the Order

When you click "Buy", you will be asked for shipping details.

CRITICAL: Never paste your address in plain text.
1. Import the Vendor's PGP key into your software.
2. Write your address in a text editor.
3. Encrypt the text using the Vendor's Public Key.
4. Paste the PGP block into the order form.

Escrow vs. FE (Finalize Early)

Escrow: The market holds the funds. The vendor ships. You receive. You release funds. (Recommended).
FE (Finalize Early): You release funds immediately. Only do this with highly trusted vendors you have dealt with before. If you FE, you have no protection if the pack doesn't land.

PHASE 05

Post-Purchase Hygiene

After the transaction is complete:

  • Delete any local text files containing addresses or tracking numbers.
  • Wipe your clipboard.
  • If using Tails, simply reboot.
  • If the order arrives, leave honest feedback to help the community, but do not reveal sensitive details in the review.