Criminal Franchising: Albanians and Illicit Drugs in Italy (From Illegal Drug Markets: From Research to Prevention Policy, P 203-218, 2000, Mangai Natarajan and Mike Hough, eds. -- See NCJ-187694)

• NCJ Number: 187703
• Author(s): Vincenzo Ruggiero
• Date Published: 2000
• Length: 16 pages
• Sale Source: Criminal Justice Press/Willow Tree Press
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Collected Work
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: DCC. Crime Prevention Studies, Volume 11.

Annotation

This paper considers how trafficking in marijuana from Albania to Italy relates to other forms of illicit trafficking.

Abstract

While Albanians have tended to occupy only marginal roles in other forms of illicit drug trafficking, they are centrally involved in the production, importation, and distribution of marijuana. This involvement has probably served to separate the marijuana market from the distribution of more harmful drugs such as heroin and cocaine. In providing a relatively cheap and plentiful supply of marijuana, the involvement of Albanians may have diverted Italian users from the more expensive heroin and cocaine. In addition, drug trafficking in marijuana from Albania to Italy may have provided jobs, although the jobs are in the black economy. The authors pay particular attention to the involvement of Albanian migrants in Italy in illicit activities, including the drug economy. The role of Albanian criminal groups in drug trafficking is examined, and policy implications of the benefits of the near monopoly in marijuana held by Albanian drug traffickers are discussed. 38 references and 3 notes