NCJ Number
159476
Date Published
1994
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The author claims that law enforcement efforts alone are not enough to contend with drug-related activities in Britain, and suggests additional measures in controlling the source of drugs, curtailing the amounts getting into the country, education, and prevention.
Abstract
Government efforts to control drug activities have included: (1) removing parole for major drug traffickers; (2) increasing the maximum penalty for trafficking from 14 years to life imprisonment; and (3) sequestration of assets. But these efforts can, at best, only slow down drug activities. Additional efforts are needed to control drugs at their source. Britain and other western governments could: (1) pay countries that grow and market opium poppies, the raw material for heroin, to grow other crops; (2) accept the fact that opium growing will continue so long as these countries remain poor and underdeveloped, and purchase opium at source for later destruction; or (3) encourage a third world pharmaceutical industry, based on locally grown drugs, which would legitimize controlled production and help economic development. The country also needs some public accountability for resources and effectiveness. Is there a better return from more money spent on the police, or is the customs service interdiction effort better value? The figures on seizures of incoming drugs suggest a greater return from customs work. There should be greater expenditure of funds for education, prevention, and treatment, especially local treatment and rehabilitation projects.