Drug Trafficking in Tarkov: A Comprehensive Guide to Completing the Quest

Introduction

The world of Escape From Tarkov is unforgiving. Every raid is a risk, and even seemingly simple quests can become major obstacles. Few quests exemplify this more than “Drug Trafficking.” Many players find themselves stuck, repeatedly attempting this quest with little success, leading to frustration and lost gear. So, what makes the quest so difficult, and how can you overcome its challenges?

Drug Trafficking is a quest offered by one of the traders in Tarkov (Therapist), requiring players to locate specific medical supplies and place them in designated locations on the Customs map. The quest involves delivering three morphine injections, two stimulant injectors, and three methadone pills to three different locations scattered across Customs: dorm room one hundred fourteen, the ambulance near the construction site, and the armored train car.

Successfully completing the Drug Trafficking quest is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it unlocks further quests from Therapist, allowing for progression through her quest line and potentially unlocking access to valuable items and increased trader reputation. A higher reputation means better deals and access to more powerful equipment, crucial for surviving in Tarkov. Secondly, the quest itself offers a decent reward upon completion, providing a boost to your inventory. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, mastering this quest teaches valuable lessons about map knowledge, item acquisition, and tactical planning – all skills vital for thriving in Tarkov.

This guide will provide a detailed breakdown of the Drug Trafficking quest, offering strategies and tips to help you conquer it. We’ll cover everything from locating the required items to navigating the dangerous locations where they must be planted, ensuring you are well-equipped to succeed.

Quest Breakdown: Objectives and Requirements

Therapist initiates the Drug Trafficking quest after you have completed some of her previous tasks. She wants you to discreetly leave medical supplies in locations where she believes people in need will easily find them.

Here’s a look at the specific objectives:

• Place three morphine injections in dorm room one hundred fourteen on Customs.
• Place two stimulant injectors inside the ambulance near the construction site on Customs.
• Place three methadone pills inside the armored train car on Customs.
• You must survive the raid after planting the items.

That last point is critical, as even a successful plant is worthless if you don’t extract alive. The items must be found in raid.

Item Acquisition: Finding the Key Items

Before you can complete the Drug Trafficking quest, you need to find the required medical items. This can be a significant challenge in itself, as these items are not always easy to come by.

Morphine

Morphine is a painkiller that can be found in a variety of locations, including medical crates, medical bags, and ambulances. Some static spawn locations also exist on maps such as Reserve. However, Customs itself can yield morphine if you thoroughly check medical areas like the medical building. Interchange is also a good map. Key to finding Morphine is systematically checking these locations. If you choose to buy Morphine from the Flea Market, be aware of price fluctuations and ensure the item is marked as “found in raid”.

Stimulant Injectors

Stimulant injectors include various types, such as SJ6, Adrenaline, and Propital. These can provide temporary buffs to your character, such as increased strength or stamina. Like morphine, they often spawn in medical crates and bags, as well as in static medical spawns on various maps. Labs and Interchange tend to have a higher number of stimulants. The Flea Market is an option, but ensure the injectors are “found in raid”.

Methadone

Methadone is arguably the most challenging item to find for this quest. This is due to its relatively low spawn rate. Good maps to search include Interchange, Reserve, and Labs due to their high concentration of medical spawns. However, these maps are also very dangerous. Consider checking stashes as well, as they can sometimes contain rare medical items. Purchasing from the Flea Market is an option; just make sure it is “found in raid”.

The Placement: Location Specific Strategies

Once you have the required items, the next step is to plant them in the designated locations on Customs. This is where the quest becomes truly challenging, as each location presents its own set of risks and potential PvP encounters.

Dorm Room One Hundred Fourteen (Customs)

This room is located on the second floor of the three-story dorm building. The specific location for planting the morphine is typically on the desk inside the room. The dorms area is a notorious PvP hotspot, especially in the early stages of a raid. To improve your chances of survival, consider approaching the dorms from a less obvious angle, such as through the construction site or along the train tracks. A close-quarters weapon like a shotgun or SMG is recommended for engagements inside the dorms.

The Ambulance (Customs)

The ambulance is located near the construction site on Customs, parked just outside the main building. The stimulant injectors must be placed inside the open back of the ambulance. This area is often contested, as it provides access to several loot spawns and is a common route for players moving between locations. Approach the ambulance cautiously, checking for snipers on the nearby rooftops. Be ready for a quick plant and extraction.

Armored Train Car (Customs)

The armored train car is located near the train yard on Customs. The methadone pills must be placed inside the train car. This area can be dangerous due to its proximity to the scav checkpoint and the potential for players to be camping the train car itself. Approach the train yard carefully, using cover to minimize your exposure. Clear the area before attempting to plant the methadone.

General Tips and Strategies for Success

Successfully completing the Drug Trafficking quest requires a combination of planning, skill, and luck. Here are some general tips and strategies to increase your chances of success:

• Playing as a Team: Teaming up with friends or teammates can significantly improve your odds. Coordinate your movements, provide cover for each other, and share information about enemy positions. Designate roles, such as a looter to focus on finding items, a defender to provide security, and a spotter to watch for threats.
• Offline Raids: Before attempting the quest in a live raid, practice the placement locations in offline mode. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the map layout, enemy spawn points, and optimal routes without risking your gear.
• Time of Day: Consider the time of day when you attempt the quest. Certain times may be less populated with players, reducing the risk of PvP encounters. Experiment with different raid times to find what works best for you.
• Gear and Loadout: Choose your gear carefully. A balanced loadout is essential for surviving in Tarkov. Opt for a weapon that performs well in close-quarters combat, such as an SMG or shotgun, for engagements inside buildings. Wear armor and a helmet to protect yourself from enemy fire. Carry plenty of medical supplies, including healing items and painkillers.
• Awareness and Map Knowledge: Map knowledge is crucial for success in Tarkov. Learn the layout of Customs, including key locations, potential danger zones, and alternative routes. Pay attention to your surroundings and use sound to your advantage. Listen for footsteps, gunshots, and other indicators of enemy activity.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many players struggle with the Drug Trafficking quest due to common mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Rushing in without a plan: Plan your route and approach each location strategically. Don’t rush into dangerous areas without recon.
• Ignoring potential threats: Always be aware of your surroundings and anticipate potential enemy encounters. Check corners, listen for footsteps, and use cover effectively.
• Not bringing enough medical supplies: Running out of medical supplies in a firefight can be deadly. Carry enough healing items and painkillers to sustain yourself through multiple engagements.
• Underestimating the difficulty of PvP encounters: Tarkov is a challenging game, and PvP encounters can be unpredictable. Be prepared for intense firefights and don’t underestimate your opponents.

Post Quest Rewards and Benefits

Upon successfully completing the Drug Trafficking quest, you’ll receive several rewards, including experience points, cash, and items. More importantly, you’ll gain reputation with Therapist, unlocking access to new quests and better deals. This quest contributes to your overall progression in Tarkov, enabling you to acquire better gear and tackle more challenging content.

Conclusion

The Drug Trafficking quest in Escape From Tarkov is a challenging but rewarding experience. By understanding the objectives, utilizing the strategies outlined in this guide, and avoiding common mistakes, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Remember to plan your approach, be aware of your surroundings, and never underestimate the difficulty of PvP encounters. With patience, persistence, and a little bit of luck, you’ll conquer this quest and unlock the rewards that await. Now get out there, plant those supplies, and survive! Be sure to share your experience with the drug trafficking quest, or any useful tips you have, in the comments below!